Deana Ferreri, PhD

A review article contends that providers need to know more about the approval process for biosimilars and what data points are examined.

The use of low-dose methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis dates back more than 30 years, but despite these decades of clinical use, data on adverse effects have come mostly from observational studies rather than randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the authors say.

A recent year-in-review article outlines studies published in 2019 about nonmedical switching from originator biologics to biosimilars in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis.

Because of the high cost of biologics, the authors recognized a need to provide access to evidence-based information on biosimilars for healthcare providers working with patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Previous studies demonstrating equivalence of SB4 to etanercept in pharmacokinetics and safety have used pre-filled syringes, but these devices may be difficult for some patients to use if they have reduced hand dexterity due to the challenges of living with rheumatoid arthritis.

By 2023, patents on nearly 20 oncology biologics will expire, which could lead to more biosimilars in cancer care and therefore reduced costs, according to a review article.

The study aimed to provide insight into the real-world patterns of biosimilar initiation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Korea by identifying patient characteristics and other factors associated with starting biosimilars using a logistic regression model.

Researchers reviewed randomized controlled trials and real-world evidence studies on nonmedical switching; that is, switching patients who are doing well on their current originator therapy to a biosimilar.

The study examined secukinumab biosimilar lentivirus-based gene therapy, which showed successful and prolonged expression of the recombinant antibody in rats.

Increasing trust in generics and biosimilars, and assuring their timely entry into the market, will yield greater benefit from these lower-cost options, according to a recent review.

The biosimilar CPT-13 (Remsima) is currently approved in Europe for all uses for which the originator infliximab (Remicade) is approved, including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which are often referred to collectively as IBD.

An accompanying editorial describes the current regulatory process as “a thicket of special programs, flexible review criteria, and generous incentives,” and suggests starting points for reforms, including improving access to biosimilars.

The final report includes voting results from a December 2019 meeting of one of ICER’s independent evidence appraisal panels, the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF), plus policy recommendations from an expert roundtable.