Organizations are releasing patient education materials about what biosimilars are, what questions patients should ask, and other things they might want to know. The latest such example comes from Susan G. Komen, which recently released a guide to using biosimilars and biologics for breast cancer.
2019 saw the launch of long-awaited biosimilars for trastuzumab (referencing Herceptin) for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
With uptake in the United States lagging behind the use of biosimilars elsewhere around the world, patient education is considered key. To that end, organizations are releasing patient education materials about what biosimilars are, what questions patients should ask, and other things they might want to know.
The latest such example comes from Susan G. Komen, which recently released a guide to using biologics and biosimilars for breast cancer, including trastuzumab (referencing Herceptin) and pertuzumab (sold as Perjeta).
Trastuzumab is given in some regimens together with pertuzumab to improve clinical benefit; the 2 antibodies bind to HER2 at different subdomains and have a synergistic effect.
Biosimilar trastuzumab has also made combination trastuzumab/pertuzumab treatment more affordable, allowing greater patient access. Biosimilars to pertuzumab are in development, but are not yet launched.
The educational materials include a fact sheet, a handout of questions to ask one’s physician, and a related video.
The materials stress that, “It’s not possible to make an exact copy of the biologic because it’s a living thing. However, a biosimilar is highly similar to the original biologic drug and works the same way in the body.”
It also stresses the role of the FDA in approving biosimilars, noting that they must have the same safety, the same effectiveness, and similar side effects, and must be given in the same form.
The website also notes that biosimilar costs may fall over time but for now, the organization says it’s unknown how costs will affect patients.
Among the questions to ask a clinician, the organization suggests asking what the provider's experience is with biosimilars, how a patient would know if they’re getting a biosimilar, how biosimilars are tested for safety and effectiveness, who makes the decision about whether to use a reference product or a biosimilar, and whether these products will have any effect on treatment or outcomes.
Besides listing biosimilars to trastuzumab, the website also includes information about biosimilars that boost white blood cell counts in patients undergoing chemotherapy (filgrastim and pegfilgrastim).
AON Saves Over $243 Million With High Biosimilar Adoption
April 22nd 2024Thanks to high biosimilar adoption rates within the community oncology setting, American Oncology Network (AON) saved upwards of $243 million between 2020 and 2023, according to a presentation at the Festival of Biologics USA conference in San Diego, California.
Decoding the Patent Puzzle: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Biosimilars
March 17th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, Ha Kung Wong, JD, an intellectual patent attorney and partner at Venable LLP, details the confusing landscape that is the US patent system and how it can be improved to help companies overcome barriers to biosimilar competition.
Patient Perceptions of Switching From the Reference Adalimumab to Amjevita During Its Initial Launch
April 20th 2024In a survey of patients with autoimmune arthritis who had been switched from reference adalimumab (Humira) to biosimilar adalimumab-atto (Amjevita; Amgen), most reported preferring the biosimilar and had no concerns about switching.
Julie Reed: Why 2024 Is Important for Biosimilars
April 17th 2024Julie Reed, executive director of the Biosimilars Forum, showcases how the biosimilar industry is expected to develop throughout 2024, including major policy changes and hope for continued improvement in market share for adalimumab biosimilars.