Although rheumatologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists rated their awareness of adalimumab biosimilars as high, a significant proportion of each group reported that they were not confident prescribing a biosimilar over the originator.
Although rheumatologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists rated their awareness of adalimumab biosimilars as high, a significant proportion of each group reported that they were not confident prescribing a biosimilar over the originator (Humira), according to data from Spherix Global Insights, a healthcare data consultancy.
Spherix conducted a survey of rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, and dermatologists to gauge their level of knowledge on adalimumab biosimilars in light of the first adalimumab biosimilar, Amgen’s Amjevita, launching on the US market at the end of January 2023. Nine more, including 2 that still have applications under review with the FDA, are expected to follow in July 2023.
For rheumatologists (n = 78), the survey was conducted from February 24 to March 9, 2023. The survey for gastroenterologists (n = 76) lasted from February 24 to March 11, 2023. There were 80 dermatologists surveyed, and their survey was conducted from February 24 to March 10, 2023.
When asked to rate their comfort prescribing an adalimumab biosimilar over Humira, only 5% of dermatologists, 24% of gastroenterologists, and 12% of rheumatologists said that they felt significantly confident. A majority of providers in each group rated their comfort as neutral or “Significantly less confident prescribing adalimumab biosimilars vs Humira.”
Education is often cited as the best way to increase physician confidence in biosimilars, which is why the FDA has created physician-targeted education material and patient-focused education material (in English and Spanish). The FDA has also developed a biosimilar curriculum and offers free continuing education courses on biosimilars.
Despite comfort being lower than expected, providers expressed that they would be likely to prescribe a biosimilar. Overall, 68% of rheumatologists, 72% of gastroenterologists, and 54% of dermatologists said that they would be somewhat or extremely likely to prescribe a biosimilar over Humira, citing that payer preference tiers will be a major factor influencing whether providers prescribe a biosimilar.
Adalimumab products are used to treat a number of chronic conditions, including:
For most of the decade, AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab) has been one of the most profitable drugs in the world, accumulating $20.7 billion in sales in 2021. In 2018, Humira ranked second on a list of the 25 top-selling drugs of all time, second only to the Lipitor (atorvastatin).
Most of the surveyed providers said they were comfortable with adalimumab biosimilars having extrapolated indications (gastroenterologists, 89%; rheumatologists, 89%; dermatologists, 83%) and interchangeability designations (gastroenterologists, 91%; rheumatologists, 85%; dermatologists, 83%).
Interchangeability is a regulatory designation unique to the United States. A biosimilar with an interchangeable label can be distributed at the pharmacy level instead of the reference product without requiring the pharmacist to get permission from a physician. Interchangeability allows for patients to have easier access to biosimilars by shortening the time that it takes for pharmacists to get approval to supply biosimilars to patients.
IQVIA Highlights Opportunity to Cash In on Biosimilars for Biologics Losing Market Exclusivity
November 29th 2023A report from IQVIA noted that Europe could miss out on €15 billion in cost savings by not having biosimilars for medications about to lose market exclusivity, shedding light on the implications for overall health care savings and ultimately, patient access.
Dr Fran Gregory Sizes Up the US Adalimumab Market: Will Biosimilars See Success?
September 17th 2023On this episode of Not So Different, Fran Gregory, PharmD, MBA, vice president of emerging therapies at Cardinal Health, analyzes the adalimumab market so far in the United States and provides insight into how the market needs to adapt to accept these products and ensure lower drug costs for patients.
Eye on Pharma: Adalimumab Updates; New Eylea Biosimilar Lawsuit; Canada Gains Stelara Biosimilar
November 22nd 2023Several companies make moves to further their adalimumab biosimilars, Regeneron sues Celltrion over biosimilar for Eylea (aflibercept), and Health Canada grants marketing authorization for biosimilar referencing Stelara (ustekinumab).
Adalimumab Biosimilars Take Center Stage: A Game Changer for IBD Treatment
July 16th 2023Laura Wingate, from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, explains some of the challenges regarding educating patients and providers on biosimilars for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as whether the gastroenterology space is ready for the influx of adalimumab biosimilars.
Study: Biosimilar Use, Dose Rounding Produce More Cost Savings Than Either Strategy Alone
November 18th 2023A retrospective study of New England patients receiving trastuzumab or bevacizumab found that combining dose rounding and biosimilar use resulted in greater cost savings than either strategy alone.
Part 3: Study Questions Usefulness of Clinical Efficacy Trials for Oncology Biosimilars in Europe
November 16th 2023In part 3 of a 3-part series for Global Biosimilars Week, The Center for Biosimilars® reviews an analysis investigating whether clinical efficacy studies have an impact on prescribing decisions for oncology biosimilars across Europe.