‘Don’t mess with success’: Humira biosimilar uptake remains low following January launch
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Key takeaways:
- Come July 31, there will be eight Humira biosimilar products available in the United States.
- Uptake remains slow as the potential benefits to switching appear unclear, according to a physician survey.
Amjevita, Amgen’s adalimumab biosimilar that made its U.S. marketplace debut in January, has so far failed to make an impact among patients compared with the reference drug, according to a physician survey.
Spherix, a market research firm, recently conducted a quarterly survey investigating the use of immune biosimilar therapies. The most recent edition of the quarterly report, Special Topix: Immune Biosimilars Today and Tomorrow, surveyed 81 dermatologists, 77 gastroenterologists and 85 rheumatologists. According to a Spherix press release, one rheumatologist who responded to the survey stated that if Humira (adalimumab, AbbVie) is working, “don’t mess with success by switching to a biosimilar.”
“The majority of immunologists across specialties admitted that brand loyalty to AbbVie does indeed impact their decision to use an adalimumab biosimilar,” the release said. “AbbVie is and has been considered a leader amongst dermatologists, gastroenterologists, and rheumatologists, reflective of their large portfolios (Humira, Skyrizi, Rinvoq) and historically strong patient and practice support programs, making them one of the leading manufacturers across many major immunology conditions.”
According to the release, many physicians and patients do not want to make the switch to a biosimilar product while the reference product is allowing successful disease management. In addition, biosimilar pricing has not provided cost savings for patients, the report said.
However, change may be coming, as Coherus Biosciences recently announced that its upcoming adalimumab biosimilar, Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh), will be available in July at an 85% discount compared with Humira and Amjevita (adalimumab-atto, Cigna).
“Though a tricky balance between cost and care, many immunologists do feel that biosimilars have the potential to grow the overall biologic treated population; however, the vast majority of those who feel this way believe the growth is contingent on increasing accessibility with lower costs,” the release said. “As one prescriber reports, ‘Cost and drug accessibility has been the most significant barrier to using biologics. If these issues are somewhat less significant, then more biologics will be prescribed.’”
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