A recently published study found that the auto-injector device used to deliver a biosimilar etanercept was preferable to the auto-injector device used to deliver reference etanercept (Enbrel) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthcare providers who treat patients with RA.
A recently published study found that the auto-injector device used to deliver a biosimilar etanercept was preferable to the auto-injector device used to deliver reference etanercept (Enbrel) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthcare providers who treat patients with RA.
The study, funded by Merck, sponsor of the biosimilar etanercept product (Brenzys, which is also marketed as Benepali) compared the biosimilar’s auto-injector—which has no push button requiring use of the patient’s thumb, which allows 1-handed delivery, and which allows for visual and auditory confirmation of dose delivery—with the auto-injector of the reference etanercept. The study, conducted in Canada and Australia, was a counterbalanced crossover trial in which patients with RA (n = 191) and healthcare professionals (HCPs), comprising nurses and rheumatologists (n = 90), injected both devices into pads representing skin and reported on the ease of use.
All participants were blinded to the study sponsor. The researchers presented each participant with both devices in a counterbalanced order among participants. After receiving a demonstration, participants used both devices, then completed a forced-choice questionnaire.
The survey results for patients, of whom 157 (82.2%) were naïve to auto-injector experience for RA, were as follows:
Results for the HCPs were as follows:
The study’s authors note that their trial was limited by the fact that patients injected into a pad rather than into themselves, and also that participants used each auto-injector once rather than over the course of many doses of therapy, as preference patterns could vary with repeated use.
The researchers concluded that patients with RA and HCPs with experience in treating patients with RA indicated an overall preference for the biosimilar etanercept’s auto-injector device, and that the preference extended to various aspects of use. The researchers say that these findings can be used to understand the real-world experiences of patients who use such devices, and that healthcare stakeholders can use these results to make informed decisions when selecting an etanercept product for the management of RA.
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.