Biosimilar Initiative

What the experts are saying about biosimilars

“Transition from arthritis biologic originator agents whose patents have expired (e.g., Remicade, Enbrel, Rituxan, Humira) to their biosimilars has been happening in Europe for years.  The biosimilars are for all intents identical to the originators as every new batch of an originator was in fact a biosimilar of itself.  Transitioning patients in British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick has saved more than $100M since the process started in 2019. This has been done with no adverse health effects for those receiving these agents.  These governments have reinvested the money in improving health care particularly for those with arthritis. This has been a big win for both health care and for arthritis patients.”

John Esdaile, MD, MPH, FRCPC, FCAHS, MACR
Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine,
University of British Columbia
Scientific Director Emeritus, Arthritis Research Canada

 

“Today’s announcement helps ensure continued reimbursement coverage for patients in Northwest Territories who transition to a biologic biosimilar and lead to greater access to all advanced therapies (like biologics) for patients in need. Based on the experience in British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick and Quebec, where thousands of patients have been successfully transitioned, we encourage the Government of the Northwest Territories to work with chronic disease communities to identify where reinvestment of biosimilars savings can improve sustainability by adding new medication listings, boost existing medicine coverage and modernize models of care for patients. During the decision-making process with their specialist, the key for patients transitioning to biosimilars is to understand biosimilars are as effective and safe as their current medication, but more affordable. To help patients in the Northwest Territories learn more about biosimilars, Arthritis Consumer Experts has created the Biosimilar•Exchange.”

Cheryl L. Koehn
Founder and President
Arthritis Consumer Experts

 

“Biosimilars are widely used in the US, the European Union, and many other countries without any concerns regarding efficacy, safety or other issues. Biosimilars are practical cost-saving measures that in my opinion should seriously be considered and implemented in all Canadian provinces and territories. As a practising specialist, I have confidence that biosimilars can be used interchangeably as the original biologics that they replace. I fully support this planned initiative as it could provide potential cost-savings over the long-term without compromising the care of your residents in the NWT.”

David C. W. Lau, M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC
Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre and Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta
University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine

Links to additional information and studies are listed below.

Arthritis Consumer Experts:

Arthritis Research Canada:

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: Crohn’s Disease

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: Ulcerative Colitis

Adalimumab

Etanercept

Infliximab

Insulin Glargine

Rituximab

Glatiramer Acetate

General