Adjusting for variables, investigators found little difference in disease outcomes for patients who switched to the infliximab originator vs biosimilars.
In a study of infliximab originator vs biosimilar use, the choice of regimens was not significantly associated with treatment success at the 6-month cutoff after initiation, investigators said in findings presented at Virtual ISPOR 2021.
Patients (N = 2806) with rheumatoid arthritis who initiated or switched to infliximab originator (Remicade) or biosimilars (Inflectra, Renflexis) since December 2016 were included in the retrospective analysis. Data were retrieved from the American Rheumatology Network–Trio Health Rheumatology registry.
Investigators said 70% received originator product; 69%, Inflectra; and 31%, Renflexis. They said there were differences in demographic and baseline clinical characteristics between the reference product and biosimilar patients that were significant factors in treatment success, based on multivariable analysis.
According to the study findings, the reference product was used earlier in the treatment process than biosimilars, and a higher proportion of reference product patients were likely to be in remission or with low disease activity when treatment began (66% vs 43% for Inflectra and 43% for Renflexis) or at the 6-month cutoff (75% vs 60% for Inflectra and 56% for Renflexis).
Remicade patients had fewer prior synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biologic regimens (mean regimens, 1.4 vs 2.2 and 2 for Inflectra and Renflexis, respectively; P < .001).
Patients on the originator product were less likely to be covered by Medicaid (4% vs 8% for Inflectra and 24% for Renflexis). The originator product cohort also demonstrated a smaller improvement in clinical disease activity score by the 6-month point (–1.6 vs –4.9 for both Inflectra and Renflexis).
Variables that significantly affected outcomes were baseline disease activity, payer types, and use of glucocorticoids, but not the choice of a biologic drug. “Patients with high or moderate baseline disease activity on Medicaid as opposed to commercial insurance and those receiving glucocorticoids were less likely to achieve remission or low disease activity at 6 months post regiment initiation,” investigators said.
Reference
Helfgott S, Radtchenko J, Soloman N, et al. Outcomes with infliximab and its biosimilars in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: real-world experience in the US. Presented at: Virtual ISPOR 2021; May 17-20, 2021. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.ispor.org/conferences-education/conferences/past-conferences/ispor-2021
Physician and Patient Perspectives After Starting or Switching to Amgevita in IBD
March 23rd 2024A real-world study surveying physicians and patients on adalimumab biosimilar ABP 501 (Amgevita) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found both patients initiating ABP 501 and those who had switched from the reference product had higher satisfaction levels.
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.
Webinar Addresses Solutions to Improve Adalimumab Biosimilar Uptake
March 18th 2024Government policies, including those related to prescribing incentives and interchangeability, need to be reworked to encourage biosimilar adoption and create meaningful savings for health systems, according to speakers at a recent webinar.
Biosimilars Rheumatology Roundup for February 2024—Podcast Edition
March 3rd 2024On this episode of Not So Different, The Center for Biosimilars® revisited all the major rheumatology biosimilar news from February 2024, including the FDA approval of the 10th adalimumab biosimilar, the promise for an oral delivery system for ustekinumab, and the impact of adalimumab products on COVID-19 antibodies.
Review: Real-World Evidence Confirms Effectiveness and Safety of Adalimumab Biosimilar SB5
March 9th 2024The adalimumab biosimilar SB5 was reported to be as safe and effective as the reference product in a review of randomized controlled trials and real-world studies on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.