Research firm Adelphi Real World’s Senior Manager Emma Sullivan and colleagues used data from Adelphi Real World’s Biosimilars Program involving German gastroenterologists and patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The study examined 25 gastroenterologists and 136 patients.
Here’s what you should know:
1. Biosimilars accounted for less than 15 percent of all biological therapies.
2. More than 80 percent of gastroenterologists would prescribe a bio-originator rather than a biosimilar as a first line therapy.
3. Patients are reluctant to accept biosimilars, but 79 percent of patients on biosimilars expressed satisfaction with their treatment.
4. Sixty-nine percent of patients believed biosimilars controlled symptoms.
5. Thirty-five percent of patients in each analysis group reported no concerns when utilizing a bio-originator or biosimilar.
6. Providers prescribed 41 percent of previously biologic-naive patients a biosimilar with indicated side effects and potential long-term complications and 24 percent did not know enough about the drug.
Ms. Sullivan concluded, “Results demonstrate that there is reluctance from patients to accept biosimilars and the need to further educate patients who are unsure to allow them to be involved in decision making, highlighting the importance of patient and physician communication.”
She added there’s a need for more research into non-clinical switching and the long-term impact of biosimilars.
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