Assessing gastroenterologist and patient acceptance of biosimilars in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease across Germany

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study examined gastroenterologists’ motivation for prescribing biosimilars, assessed their treatment preferences in relation to prescribing behaviour, and explored patient attitudes to biosimilars.MethodsData were taken from the Adelphi Real World Biosimilars Programme, a real-world, cross-sectional study undertaken in 2015–2016 with German gastroenterologists and patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Gastroenterologists provided data on their prescribing behaviour and attitudes towards biosimilars, and invited the next eight eligible consecutive consulting patients to complete a detailed questionnaire. For analysis, gastroenterologists were split into ‘Investigative’, ‘Conservative’, and ‘Other’ groups.ResultsOverall, 25 gastroenterologists and 136 patients participated. Biosimilars accounted for <15% of all biologic therapies and >80% of gastroenterologists would prescribe a bio-originator rather than biosimilar as 1st line therapy if unrestricted. Patients showed some reluctance to accept biosimilars, although of those receiving biosimilars, 79% were satisfied with the current treatment of their condition, and 69% were satisfied with the control of symptoms. Although at least 35% of patients in each analysis group reported no concerns when starting treatment with a bio-originator or biosimilar, 41% of previously biologic-naïve patients prescribed a biosimilar indicated potential side effects and potential long-term problems, and 24% not knowing enough about the drug, as concerns.ConclusionResults 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. There remains a need for further research into non-clinical switching and the long term impact of prescribing biosimilars.

Effects of Message Framing on Patients’ Perceptions and Willingness to Change to a Biosimilar in a Hypothetical Drug Switch

“…15 25"More side effects could be possible." Lack of clinical trial evidence 7 (12) "Not much research as to how successful the switch will be, are we guinea pigs." Lack of similarity 4 (5) "Change of ingredients-that they're not identical."…”

“…Patient and health care provider acceptance is vital to ensure that the benefits from biosimilar use can be gained. Previous research suggests that both patients and providers hold negative perceptions toward biosimilar safety and efficacy (9)(10)(11)(12). Physicians also report being unsure how to go about explaining biosimilars to patients, which further restricts their use (13,14).…”

Effectiveness and Safety of the Switch from Remicade® to CT-P13 in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Of the 199 patients in the SC, 38 relapsed after a median follow-up of 18 months [IQR = 10-22 months]. In the NC, 24 out of 277 patients relapsed after a median follow-up of 23 months [IQR = [19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. The incidence rate of relapse was significantly higher in patients in the SC [14% per patient-year, 95% CI = 10-18.9%] than in patients in the NC [5% per patient-year, 95% CI = 2.9-7.1%] [p < 0.05].…”

Biosimilars: concept, current status, and future perspectives in inflammatory bowel diseases

“…In addition, this reluctancy was particularly identified among patients who were currently receiving the proprietary medicine and were not displaying any clinically-indicated reasons that required a switch to the biosimilar. 60 The European Federation of Crohn' s and Ulcerative Colitis Association carried out a survey to investigate patients' perspectives regarding biosimilars. 61 Bewww.irjournal.org tween 2014 and 2015, 1,181 patients responded to the survey, but only 38% had prior knowledge of biosimilars and only 25% had no concerns regarding their use.…”