Navigating Challenges Associated with Biosimilars Across Various Disease States

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD; Bincy Abraham, MD, MS; Jamie T. Brogan, APRN; and Vibeke Strand, MD.

Haumschild asked the panel about challenges providers are facing related to biosimilars for inflammatory diseases.

Gottlieb noted Medicare patients struggle most with drug costs, and substantially lower biosimilar pricing could greatly improve access for this population. With adalimumab (Humira) costing only about $5000 annually in Europe, almost no Medicare patients can currently afford a biologic in the U.S., he said. It is unclear if prices will decrease enough to really expand access.

Abraham said experience with infliximab (Remicade) biosimilars reduced potential challenges with adalimumab biosimilars in gastroenterology. However, with many adalimumab options arriving, differences between products in formulation, concentrations, and dosages must be considered to avoid confusion or lapses in treatment if patients are switched.

Strand noted uncertainty around which biosimilars payers will cover and how that will impact access. Formulation differences like citrate-free options can affect tolerability with weekly dosing. Medicare patients still have coinsurance and coverage gaps, creating financial toxicity that impacts adherence. Understanding overall cost impact for patients is difficult.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by editorial staff.