Rheumatology

A Majority of Patients With PsA Discontinue Their First Biologic Before 12 Months

July 19th 2018

By Kelly Davio

In a recent study, only 44.5% of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) persisted with their index biologic for 12 months or more.

AbbVie Settles With a Third Biosimilar Developer Over Humira

July 17th 2018

By Kelly Davio

Article

Under the agreement, AbbVie will grant Mylan a nonexclusive license to sell its drug in the United States and in other markets outside of Europe. The US license term for the biosimilar will start on July 31, 2023, and Mylan will pay royalties on its sales to AbbVie.

Switching From Reference Adalimumab to Biosimilar ABP 501 Does Not Cause Immunogenicity

July 13th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

Transitioning from reference adalimumab (Humira) to Amgen’s FDA- and EU-approved adalimumab biosimilar ABP 501 (Amgevita) was not associated with increased immunogenicity over an observation period of 72 weeks in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to the results of a study presented at the European Congress of Rheumatology.

Low-Dose Strategy for Etanercept in Psoriatic Arthritis Can Maintain Remission

July 11th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

Italian researchers report that 72% of their trial participants being treated for psoriatic arthritis achieved sustained remission with ETN 25 mg biweekly, which was maintained a year after treatment initiation.

Observational Study Finds High Patient Satisfaction With Prefilled Biosimilar SB4 Pen

July 6th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

A survey of German patients who used a prefilled pen for subcutaneous delivery of biosimilar etanercept SB4 has reported a very high level of patient satisfaction with the product following an interim analysis.

The Top Biosimilars News for the Week of July 2, 2018

July 6th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Article

Catch up on the week’s top rheumatology, gastroenterology, clinical practice, regulatory, policy, and business news from the world of biosimilars.

Nonmedical Switching to Biosimilar in Stable Rheumatic Diseases Associated With Considerable Short-Term Costs

July 5th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

In the short term, nonmedical switching (NMS) of stable patients with a rheumatic condition from originator biologics to biosimilars could have “considerable” short-term costs for a rheumatology medical center, according to a study presented at the annual European Congress of Rheumatology.

Study Shows Association Between Health Literacy and Patient Satisfaction With Switching to Biosimilar

June 28th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

Research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism’s Annual European Congress of Rheumatology concluded that patients’ attitudes and level of satisfaction with switching to a biosimilar for etanercept or infliximab was associated with their level of health literacy, defined as being given sufficient and necessary information concerning their health.

ILAR Treatment Recommendations for Psoriatic Arthritis in Resource-Poor Countries Available

June 28th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

New International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) recommendations are now available for the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis living in resource-poor regions, including Central and South America and Africa.

Dutch Study at EULAR Evaluates Impact of Switch From Originator to Biosimilar Etanercept

June 26th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

The study, conducted in 80 patients with rheumatic diseases who elected to switch from treatment with originator etanercept to biosimilar etanercept, found that 80% were willing to switch, and switching did not affect treatment effectiveness during 1 year of follow up.