Biosimilars news

A new report by the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN) found that the utilization and public spending on biologic drugs continue to grow in Ontario, with projected annual spending of nearly $1.4 billion in 2021. In contrast, less than 1 in 5 biologic users currently access biosimilars when they are available. The report concludes that initiatives should be explored that could increase the utilization of biosimilars, given the large potential for cost savings for the Government of Ontario.

A new report from Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) found that the uptake of biosimilars has been slower in Canada than in other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

“The biosimilar policy enables government to continue providing Albertans with the best possible treatment options, but at a lower cost,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “Over the next four years, this initiative will save us between $227 million and $380 million once fully implemented. These savings will go back into the health system to help ensure we can provide the high-quality care Albertans deserve.”

Pacific Blue Cross – the top health benefits provider in British Columbia – marks the six-month anniversary of the B.C. biosimilars initiative by applauding the government’s leadership in implementing a biosimilar switching policy, and highlighting the alignment of its own policies with those of B.C. Pharmacare.

The Globe and Mail’s Kelly Grant reports that as Ontario and Alberta look at switching patients to less costly biosimilar medicines, the maker of Canada’s most lucrative drug has contacted patients and asked them to voice concerns with the plan.

This University of British Columbia’s Therapeutics Initiative report notes that government regulators around the world approve biosimilars based on evidence that biosimilars are not inferior to the originator biologic product in terms of safety and effectiveness, and that systematic reviews of switching from biologics to biosimilars found no meaningful differences in safety and effectiveness between them.