Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Biosimilars Among Specialty Physicians. Issue 12 (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen, Hillel; Beydoun, Donna; Chien, David; Lessor, Tracy; McCabe, Dorothy; Muenzberg, Michael; Popovian, Robert; Uy, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Advances in therapy. Volume 33:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 2160
• Page End: 2172
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Biologic -- Biosimilar -- Biosimilarity -- Extrapolation -- Immunogenicity -- Interchangeability -- Originator biologic; Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Therapeutics -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1007/s12325-016-0431-5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-238X

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The Biosimilars Forum conducted a survey through an independent organization from November 20, 2015 to January 4, 2016 in order to assess current levels of awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of biosimilars among US specialty physicians who already prescribe biologics. The survey was intended to provide a baseline level of knowledge about biosimilars and will be repeated in 2–3 years in order to monitor trends over time. Methods A 19-question survey was created by the Biosimilars Forum and was administered by an independent third party. Results Responses were obtained from 1201 US physicians across specialties that are high prescribers of biologics, including dermatologists, gastroenterologists, hematologist-oncologists, medical oncologists, nephrologists, and rheumatologists. Conclusions The results of this survey highlight a significant need for evidence-based education about biosimilars for physicians across specialties. Five major knowledge gaps were identified: defining biologics, biosimilars, and biosimilarity; understanding the approval process and the use of "totality of evidence" to evaluate biosimilars; understanding that the safety and immunogenicity of a biosimilar are comparable to the originator biologic; understanding the rationale for extrapolation of indications; and defining interchangeability and the related rules regarding pharmacy-level substitution. Funding : Biosimilars Forum.