To address the fear and insecurity expressed by rheumatology patients on being switched from a biologic to a biosimilar treatment for their arthritis, the Danish Rheumatism Association has participated in a national programme designed to ensure patients received independent information about biosimilars, along with closer monitoring of prescriptions to provide reassurance about their safety. The results of this initiative were presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017.
When the first biosimilar was approved in Denmark in 2015, the national council for the use of expensive hospital medicines (Rådet for Anvendelse AF Dyr Sygehusmedicin, RADS) announced that they found the biosimilar infliximab equal to the original reference product (Remicade) in efficacy and safety. Based on this, RADS made a recommendation for hospitals to use the less expensive infliximab biosimilar for both treatment-naïve patients and patients already on Remicade, unless there were medically justified reasons not to do so.
By the first quarter of 2016, this biosimilar covered around 97% of infliximab consumption in Denmark.2 There are now two biosimilars approved by the national authorities in Denmark, and used in the treatment of patients with arthritis.
Although the switch to a biosimilar would obviously save money for the healthcare system while ensuring the same benefits for patients, this decision caused considerable insecurity among patients, who were afraid of biosimilars and their effectiveness and safety profile. Also, physicians did not seem comfortable about explaining the principle of biosimilarity; hence, patients remained uncertain about the change that had been introduced to their treatment.
Patient anxiety was further aggravated by hospitals and regions in Denmark putting different information on biosimilars on their websites.
An initial small study of how this shift from biologic to biosimilar had taken place in different regions, conducted by the Danish Rheumatism Association, revealed that although most patients were told about the change in their treatment, they received a lack of information from their doctors about the new biosimilars.
Also, while nearly all patients on a biological drug are registered in a national database, which records which drug the patient has been prescribed, it is not registered on a batch-level, which makes it more difficult to monitor safety.
"In order to change this situation, we started a dialogue with politicians and the authorities on a national level and hospital administrations on a regional level," said Ms. Lene Mandrup Thomsen from the Danish Rheumatism Association, Gentofte, Denmark. "The purpose was threefold: to improve the registration of biologics and biosimilars on a batch-level, the provision of more independent patient information and the involvement of patients in the decision-making process," she explained.
The new national plan, launched in August 2015 and implemented throughout 2016, consisted of four parts:
- 1) Monitoring efficacy and safety of biologics and biosimilars on a batch level
2) Information campaign targeting both health professionals and patients
3) Digital solutions to aid easy reporting of side effects from health professionals and patients
4) Focus on monitoring patient safety by the authorities
In addition to this national plan, hospitals on a regional level have invited a representative from the Danish Rheumatism Association to participate in a working group, with the objective of including the patient perspective in future national recommendations for the use of biological drugs and biosimilars.
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Abstract Number: OP0328-PARE
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in the Goya Room at the IFEMA, Madrid during EULAR 2017 or on:
Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
Onsite tel: +44 (0)7786 171 476 / +34 91722 3115
Twitter: @EULAR_Press
Youtube: Eular Press Office
About Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can also affect the muscles, other tissues and internal organs. There are more than 200 different RMDs, affecting both children and adults. They are usually caused by problems of the immune system, inflammation, infections or gradual deterioration of joints, muscle and bones. Many of these diseases are long term and worsen over time. They are typically painful and Iimit function. In severe cases, RMDs can result in significant disability, having a major impact on both quality of life and life expectancy.
About 'Don't Delay, Connect Today!'
'Don't Delay, Connect Today!' is a EULAR initiative that unites the voices of its three pillars, patient (PARE) organisations, scientific member societies and health professional associations - as well as its international network - with the goal of highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to treatment. In Europe alone, over 120 million people are currently living with a rheumatic disease (RMD), with many cases undetected. The 'Don't Delay, Connect Today' campaign aims to highlight that early diagnosis of RMDs and access to treatment can prevent further damage, and also reduce the burden on individual life and society as a whole.
About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases throughout Europe. EULAR aims to reduce the burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on individuals and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. It promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with musculoskeletal diseases by the governing bodies in Europe through advocacy action.
To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
Journal
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases