A study presented at the European League Against Rheumatism conference suggested that French rheumatologists have good knowledge of biosimilars but lack the confidence to use them.
A survey of rheumatologists in France concluded that they generally have a good understanding of biosimilars but lack the confidence to use them, according to data presented at the EULAR 2020 Congress, the virtual meeting of the European League Against Rheumatism.
The study concerned the use of subcutaneously applied tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (SC TNFi) biosimilars, which have been available in France since 2015 at lower cost than reference products. There is no requirement in France that rheumatologists prescribe biosimilars or switch patients to them.
The findings mirror the results of a similar US-based study reported last year in which rheumatologists expressed hesitancy about switching to biosimilars and extrapolating to uses beyond those the biosimilars were approved for.
Survey Details
French investigators surveyed 101 rheumatologists, 47.1% of whom were younger than 40 years and 92% of whom had authorization to prescribe TNFi.
According to the findings, 53.2% always prescribe biosimilars when prescribing TNFi for the first time, and 78.5% prescribe TNFi biosimilars 90% of the time.
Investigators said 30.6% of French rheumatologists never switch patients from originator drugs to biosimilars. Those who switch patients to biosimilars do it more than 75% of the time.
In the survey, 96.5%, 87.1%, and 91.8% agreed that biosimilars are as efficient, are as safe, and have the same immunogenicity profile as originator products, respectively.
Among rheumatologists who prescribe biosimilars in more than 90% of cases, 77.4% correctly answered no to the question “biosimilars and originators have to be compared in phase III studies for each indication for which the originators received marketing approval.”
Among those who prescribe biosimilars less than 90% of the time, just 31.2% answered this question correctly, indicating to the investigators that those who prescribe biosimilars as initial treatments tend to be equipped with better knowledge of biosimilars. Investigators said this finding was significant (P < .001).
Rheumatologists were also asked whether there is enough experience with biosimilars. Most rheumatologists who switch to biosimilars more than 75% of the time answered this question in the affirmative, and just 25.4% in this group said there isn’t enough experience with biosimilars.
The same question was asked of those who switch to biosimilars less than 75% of the time. Investigators said a majority of them (57.7%) answered that there isn’t enough experience with biosimilars. This finding also was significant (P < .003).
Reference
De Chateaubriant A, Ingrand P, Gervais E. Anti-TNF biosimilars: how knowledge and belief influence prescription. Presented at: EULAR 2020 Congress; June 3-August 31, 2020. Abstract AB1162.
Budget Impact Analysis of Biosimilar Natalizumab in the US
Projected savings from biosimilar natalizumab were $452,611 over 3 years, driven by decreased drug acquisition costs and a utilization shift from reference to biosimilar natalizumab.
Biosimilars in America: Overcoming Barriers and Maximizing Impact
July 21st 2024Join us as we explore the complexities of the US biosimilars market, discussing legislative influences, payer and provider adoption factors, and strategies to overcome industry challenges with expert insights from Kyle Noonan, PharmD, MS, value & access strategy manager at Cencora.
Switching Patterns Highlight Nocebo Effect in European Patients Using Amgevita
July 23rd 2024About half of the patients in a European study who transitioned from reference adalimumab to a biosimilar version stayed on the biosimilar at the 1-year mark. However, researchers warned about a possible nocebo effect resulting in some patients switching back to the originator.
Breaking Barriers in Osteoporosis Care: New Denosumab Biosimilars Wyost, Jubbonti Approved
June 16th 2024In this episode, The Center for Biosimilars® delves into the FDA approval of the first denosumab biosimilars, Wyost and Jubbonti (denosumab-bbdz), and discuss their potential to revolutionize osteoporosis treatment with expert insights from 2 rheumatologists.
Eye on Pharma: EU Biosimilar Approval, Launches and Product Returns, Denosumab Switching Data
July 10th 2024The European Union approves a tocilizumab biosimilar and the US sees another launch, Genentech’s ophthalmology biobetter returns to the market, and Samsung Bioepis shares data on switching to its denosumab biosimilar.