Biosimilars to Remicade Found to Have Comparable Clinical Response to Reference Product
One of the largest barriers to biosimilar adoption is the non-interchangeability between biologic and biosimilar products, which has led to hesitance in prescribing biosimilars among healthcare providers. However, many studies have shown otherwise, often demonstrating comparable clinical efficacy and safety of biosimilars when compared to reference products.
On February 18, 2021, the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy published a meta-analysis examining the use of infliximab (reference product) in comparison to infliximab biosimilars in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The result (from independent 5 studies included in the meta-analysis) did not show any statistically significant differences between the response to treatment with biosimilar agents relative to each other or the infliximab reference product. Comparisons were made based on the primary outcome of ACR20 response (20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology core measures).
The results of the meta-analysis study further add to the growing body of literation on biosimilar adoption discussion. As clinical efficacy and safety are less of a reason for resistance in biosimilar uptake, what’s left ? The U.S. biologic market needs to maneuver around the various obstacles to uptake of biosimilars in order to ensure price competition resulting in affordability and increasing patient access. WIth price competition and more studies on biosimilars vs. their reference products, will provide plan sponsors, patients and benefits advisors with more information to make an informed decision.
