Survey Finds Need for Biosimilars Education

BioSimilars Blog

On November 2, the Biosimilars Forum released the results of a survey in an article titled “Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Biosimilars Among Specialty Physicians,” published in Advances in Therapy.  According to the abstract of the article, the survey was conducted from November, 2015, through January, 2016, and sought to assess “current levels of awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of biosimilars among US specialty physicians who already prescribe biologics.”  The survey concluded that there is a “significant need for evidence-based education about biosimilars for physicians across specialties.”  The survey identified five “major knowledge gaps:”  (1) defining biologics, biosimilars and biosimilarity; (2) understanding the approval process and the use of “totality of evidence” to evaluate biosimilars; (3) understanding that the safety and immunogenicity of a biosimilar are comparable to the originator biologic; (4) understanding the rationale for extrapolation of indications; and (5) defining interchangeability and the related rules regarding pharmacy-level substitution.”

According to its website, the Biosimilars Forum is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance biosimilars in the United States with the intent of expanding access and availability of biological medicines, and improving health care.  You could read more about it here.