More than 90% of GIs are ‘somewhat comfortable’ prescribing adalimumab biosimilars
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Most gastroenterologists reported higher familiarity with adalimumab biosimilars and reported greater comfort levels in prescribing biosimilars than dermatologists or rheumatologists, according to a recent survey.
In its 2023 Biosimilars Report, Cardinal Health surveyed 350 providers in rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology and ophthalmology to assess market trends and changing perspectives toward biosimilars specifically. The survey found that 93% of GIs reported that they were “at least somewhat comfortable prescribing adalimumab biosimilars,” whereas only 86% of rheumatologists and 75% of dermatologists reported similar feelings.
“While gastroenterology has lagged behind other specialties (e.g., oncology) in the biosimilar space, the availability and utilization of and the competition of these agents with their reference products, is expected to significantly increase in 2023 with the release of at least seven adalimumab biosimilars,” Vivek Kaul, MD, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, NYSGE, professor of medicine at University of Rochester in New York, wrote in the report.
According to the survey, the primary physician concerns regarding adalimumab biosimilars included transitioning patients from the Humira reference product to biosimilars (44%) and the interchangeability of the two products (38%). Surveyed physicians noted that patient education regarding biosimilar safety, efficacy and interchangeability are key to acceptance, especially for patients who have been switched from the reference product.
“Despite general acceptance of biosimilars, there remains some uncertainty regarding their place in the current gastroenterology landscape,” Kaul wrote. “This is likely because only half of the survey respondents believed that biosimilars will positively impact gastroenterology care, further highlighting the ongoing need for real-world data and incorporation of biosimilar use and interchangeability into clinical guidelines.”
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