Table 1 Mean importance of therapy characteristics assessed by physicians taking the view of their patients and by the patients themselves

Benefits

85

Drug improves physical state (e.g. better mobility, pain relief)

84

Drug has very high efficacy (reduction of viral load)

83

Drug promises maximum prolongation of life expectancy

77

Drug improves emotional and mental state (e.g. less thoughts about disease)

76

Drug allows for improved mobility (e.g. longer journeys possible)

76

Drug improves social contact opportunities (e.g. visits possible)

73

Long duration of efficacy following application

62

Drug allows further therapy options (in the future)

60

Drug does not generate resistance

Side effects

92

Drug does not or does not affect appearance much (disease not visible, e.g. by fat redistribution)

87

Rarely occurring longer periods of nausea due to drug application

87

Rarely occurring longer periods of diarrhea due to drug application

79

Long term (hidden) side-effects (e.g. organ damage) is unlikely

57

Pregnancy is allowed during treatment period

56

Drug can be used also in case of comorbidities

Mode of administration

90

Self-application of the drug (at home or on-the-go) is possible

86

Flexible application during course of the day (e.g. delay of 1 hour is possible)

86

Simple application: only few tablets

83

Drug can be taken along without problems (transportation)

81

Inconspicuous drug intake (discreet, unnoticed by environment)

77

Drug has to be taken only once daily

76

Long term use of the drug is possible

69

Drug does not cause additional costs for patient (no extra payment)

68

Treatment does not require much time (waiting time, time for treatment)

47

Therapy-free intervals/treatment breaks are possible

35

Dosing of drug may vary according to current health state