Practice

New research reveals that switching from originator to biosimilar adalimumab for hidradenitis suppurativa may lead to reduced treatment effectiveness and stability.

New findings explore the adalimumab biosimilar landscape, focusing on formulation, devices, and patient support programs that enhance treatment experiences.

UK neurologists release new guidelines for JC virus testing in patients using the natalizumab biosimilar Tyruko, addressing safety and monitoring challenges.

Biosimilars revolutionize health care access in Latin America, offering cost savings and improved treatment availability for chronic conditions and oncology.

A recent study confirms the stability of XSB-001 biosimilar for retinal diseases under realistic clinical handling conditions.

A review of the safety of biosimilar DMARDs during pregnancy reveals critical evidence gaps and the need for informed clinical guidance.

Significant knowledge gaps about biosimilars persist among consumers and healthcare professionals, hindering their adoption and potential benefits in health care.

About 13% of patients who switch from Humira to an adalimumab biosimilar switch back to the originator, according to research from Truveta. However, the presented data may not tell the full story.

Pediatric infliximab biosimilar use has risen significantly, reflecting evolving treatment patterns in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among children and young adults.

New research highlights the efficacy and high patient satisfaction of adalimumab biosimilars in treating inflammatory diseases.

The biosimilar industry faces awareness challenges among health care professionals (HCPs), which must be addressed to increase cost savings and patient access to treatments.

States with fewer restrictions on biosimilar substitution tend to see higher uptake of interchangeable insulin glargine, showing how even small policy details can significantly influence biosimilar adoption and expand access to more affordable insulin.

Pharmacists play an essential role in counseling patients on biosimilar substitution protocols and following state regulations regarding interchangeable medications.

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who switched to the infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 had higher treatment persistence (84% and 91%) than those new to infliximab (66% and 53%), with no new safety concerns.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saved $67 million in 2023 through its strong adoption of biosimilars to curb the high costs of biologic therapies to treat chronic disease.

Elie Bahou, PharmD, highlights how vertical integration in the biosimilar industry streamlines costs, improves supply reliability, accelerates market adoption, and enhances patient access, while emphasizing the value of collaboration, quality control, and value-based contracts for sustainable health care delivery.

Elie Bahou, PharmD, senior vice president and system chief pharmacy officer at Providence, discusses strategies to improve equitable access to biologic therapies, including tiered formularies, income-based cost sharing, patient assistance programs, and fostering payer partnerships.

A systematic review identified 13 strategies, including patient and provider education, empathetic communication, and shared decision-making, to mitigate the nocebo effect in biosimilar switching, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to improve patient perceptions and therapeutic outcomes.

A recent study showed similar safety and efficacy of a bevacizumab biosimilar compared with the reference product (Avastin) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Researchers observe significant shifts in payer preferences for originator vs biosimilar products from 2017 to 2022, revealing growing payer interest in multiple product options, alongside the increasing market share of biosimilars, which contributed to notable reductions in both average sales prices and wholesale acquisition costs.

Early adopters of biosimilars have paved the way for broader acceptance by sharing real-world success strategies, overcoming initial resistance, and highlighting best practices for integration and cost savings.

Biosimilars could improve access to biologic treatments and health care sustainability in Latin America, but their adoption is hindered by misconceptions, regulatory gaps, and weak pharmacovigilance, requiring targeted education and stronger regulations.

Part 2 of this series for Global Biosimilars Week dives into the complexities of payer and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) policies, how they impact biosimilar accessibility, and how addressing these issues may look under a second Trump term.

By expanding educational initiatives to clarify biosimilar safety, efficacy, and interchangeability, stakeholders can foster trust, improve access, and ensure that biosimilars are widely accepted as high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to originator biologics.

Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA, BCBBS, of Sutter Health notes that although initial adoption of adalimumab biosimilars remained low in 2023, competitive pricing pressures have already benefited patients and the health care sector.

A study of the Veterans Health Administration detailed their experience with infliximab biosimilars in a population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were naive to infliximab.

A report from Sandoz emphasizes the need for collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate drug shortages impacting over 90% of hospital systems in the US, recommending policy changes and actions to address the ongoing issue, which has caused treatment delays and increased costs.

For biosimilars to overcome these entrenched market dynamics, they must not only compete on price but actively work to build a network of support among providers and patients.