<p> BACKGROUND: Biologics have transformed the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but at a significant cost to payers and patients. The introduction of biosimilars into the US market could reduce costs while increasing access to biologic medications.</p> <p> OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify gaps in biosimilar knowledge and perception among US dermatologists.</p> <p> METHODS: An online survey was sent to dermatologists from January to April 2015.</p> <p> RESULTS: Ninety-seven US dermatologists responded, of which 84% state they prescribe biologics in their practice. Only 37% of dermatologists were aware that a biosimilar is highly similar to a US-licensed reference biological product, 26% incorrectly described a biosimilar as a "generic" of a known biologic, and 10% of dermatologists stated they did not know the definition. Most dermatologists (88%) believe that substitutions from biologics to biosimilars will be made by pharmacists without consulting the physician. A total of 37% of dermatologists believed that a biosimilar with the same name as a biologic suggested they are "structurally identical." Only 25% said they would likely prescribe biosimilars to their patients, while 38% stated they would try using them on a very select, small group of patients before trying it on a majority of their patients.</p> <p>LIMITATIONS: Limitations include small sample size and non-responder bias.</p> <p> CONCLUSION: A biosimilars knowledge gap exists amongst dermatologists, suggesting the need for more educational initiatives.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):612-615.</em></p>.
<p> BACKGROUND: Biologics have transformed the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but at a significant cost to payers and patients. The introduction of biosimilars into the US market could reduce costs while increasing access to biologic medications.</p> <p> OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify gaps in biosimilar knowledge and perception among US dermatologists.</p> <p> METHODS: An online survey was sent to dermatologists from January to April 2015.</p> <p> RESULTS: Ninety-seven US dermatologists responded, of which 84% state they prescribe biologics in their practice. Only 37% of dermatologists were aware that a biosimilar is highly similar to a US-licensed reference biological product, 26% incorrectly described a biosimilar as a "generic" of a known biologic, and 10% of dermatologists stated they did not know the definition. Most dermatologists (88%) believe that substitutions from biologics to biosimilars will be made by pharmacists without consulting the physician. A total of 37% of dermatologists believed that a biosimilar with the same name as a biologic suggested they are "structurally identical." Only 25% said they would likely prescribe biosimilars to their patients, while 38% stated they would try using them on a very select, small group of patients before trying it on a majority of their patients.</p> <p>LIMITATIONS: Limitations include small sample size and non-responder bias.</p> <p> CONCLUSION: A biosimilars knowledge gap exists amongst dermatologists, suggesting the need for more educational initiatives.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):612-615.</em></p>.
Authors: Marianna Olave; Criswell Lavery; Charles E Leonard; Vincent Lo Re; Judy A Shea; Jonathan Kay; Joshua F Baker Journal: Drugs Ther Perspect Date: 2021-06-08