Practice

Proactively Versus Reactively Measuring CT-P13 Trough Levels Did Not Improve 1-Year Outcomes in IBD

December 9th 2019

As yet, there exists no consensus as to whether proactive or reactive monitoring is the most appropriate approach in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who receive infliximab therapy.

Nocebo Effect Can Hamper Biosimilar Acceptance, Review Says

December 6th 2019

By Allison Inserro

Interestingly, nocebo effects may also be induced by exposure to information shared online, through social media, through drug advertisements, and advertised descriptions or warnings about health-related conditions. The effect can be profound; the authors said negative expectations underlying nocebo phenomena have been shown to alter activity in certain regions of the brain.

Is It Time to Look Beyond Price With Biosimilars?

December 5th 2019

By Kelly Davio

While there is no question that falling prices that come with competition are cause for optimism in the United States, which is burdened by rising drug costs, some experts from Europe caution that a focus on price alone misses key reasons to use biosimilars.

Retrospective Study of 56 Million Patients Shows Reduced Risk of Alzheimer With Anti-TNF Use

December 5th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Researchers from biotech company Tetra Therapeutics have reported that, in their retrospective population-based study of 56 million patients with inflammatory diseases, use of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents was linked with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease.

More Evidence Supports Introducing Adalimumab Early in Patients With CD

December 3rd 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

In Crohn disease (CD), anti–tumor necrosis factor therapies like adalimumab have provided an alternative to long-term corticosteroid therapy and have reduced the need for many patients to have surgical interventions. It has been proposed that early treatment with biologics may lead to better outcomes and fewer complications—like strictures and fistulae—and findings from a recent study support that assertion.

Mylan and Biocon Launch Biosimilar Trastuzumab, Ogivri, in the United States

December 2nd 2019

By Kelly Davio

Mylan and Biocon have announced that their biosimilar trastuzumab, Ogivri, has become commercially available in the United States. The biosimilar, referencing Herceptin, is now available in a 420-mg multidose vial and a 150-mg single-dose vial.

Nordic Study Shows Similar Retention Rates for Biosimilar and Reference Etanercept, Infliximab

November 25th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Nordic countries have had some of the highest rates of biosimilar use, and extensive registry data in these countries also allow for observational studies of biosimilar use in real-world clinical practice. A new study used data from 5 such registries—which included more than 2000 patients with spondyloarthritis—to assess retention rates for those treated with biosimilars or reference products of etanercept and infliximab.

AMA Calls on Medical Schools to Include Training on Healthcare Economics

November 22nd 2019

By Allison Inserro

The American Medical Association (AMA) wants medical schools and residency programs to start training medical students and residents in healthcare economics.

Long-Term KOBIO Registry Data Show Comparable Drug Retention for Biosimilar CT-P13, Reference Infliximab

November 20th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Biosimilar infliximab CT-P13 (Inflectra, Remsima) has been the subject of numerous studies since its authorization in multiple regulatory territories, and this month, data from the Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics (KOBIO) registry add to the growing body of knowledge about this biosimilar’s use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in routine clinical practice.

Spanish Study Finds Biosimilar Rituximab Would Need 34% Discount to Match Subcutaneous Option on Cost

November 19th 2019

By Kelly Davio

This week, a study from Spain retrospectively compared direct costs of intravenous and subcutaneous reference rituximab in the setting of lymphoma, taking into consideration drug costs, pharmacy costs, and chair time-related costs at a single center in 2017. They also conducted the same analysis using the costs of biosimilar rituximab.