Recently a study on the future of the healthcare industry in 2016 by PwC concludes that only 16% of patients know what the biosimilars, but this ignorance extends not only among ordinary citizens but also among health professionals.
In fact, the lack of information and training on biosimilar drugs among specialists is one of the most important causes of reluctance to use them. Various surveys have found that health professionals would need more information to prescribe, dispense or administer a biosimilar drug to their patients.
Specifically, a questionnaire made to pharmacists from United States concluded that 57% of these professionals considered that confirmatory clinical trials comparing biosimilars and reference biologics were the main source of information necessary to demonstrate biosimilarity, when in reality, although clinical trials are relevant, the scientific basis for demonstrating biosimilarity are the quality studies
Despite the fact that the rigorous studies prove a very high equivalence, doubts still arise in decision-making about the use or not of a biosimilar, aspects such as efficacy and safety, immunogenicity, approved and unapproved indications, interchangeability or the pharmacovigilance requirements, among many others.
Therefore, the biosimilars training, including its development and the scientific and regulatory context, plays a key role in increasing the confidence of healthcare professionals, mainly physicians, in biosimilars. Therefore, it is necessary that impartial entities provide clear information in this regard.
As an example, in Finland the competent health authority gives lectures in all university hospitals and has a newsletter explaining the concept of biosimilarity and the advantages of these treatment options both in terms of patient access and savings.
Therefore, since biosim We want to serve as a platform for professionals in the sector and the general public to learn more about biosimilar medicines.