Biosimilars Canada has compiled a list of news stories from Canada and abroad about biosimilars that may be of interest to readers. These links to third-party websites are provided for informational purposes only, and do represent an endorsement from our organization. Biosimilars Canada’s statements and news releases are available here.
A new study by UBC researchers published in BMC Rheumatology looked at the early impacts on health services use following the switch from originator to biosimilar etanercept in BC. No impact on incidences of switching to a different biologic antirheumatic drug, visits to emergency departments, or admissions to hospitals were found.
As of December 15, 2021, only biosimilars to Lovenox and Lovenox HP enoxaparin will be reimbursed by the Quebec public drug plan. Patients already being treated with Lovenox have until April 12, 2022, to switch to a biosimilar.
As of December 15, 2021, only biosimilars to Forteo teriparatide will be reimbursed by the Quebec public drug plan. Patients currently being treated with Forteo have until April 12, 2022 to switch to a biosimilar.
Report by the Generics Bulletin on the addition of insulin lispro and insulin aspart to B.C.’s biosimilar switching policy.
Effective November 30 about 30,000 PharmaCare patients on the rapid-acting insulins Humalog (insulin lispro) and NovoRapid (insulin aspart) will have six months to transition to biosimilar versions.
This Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) presentation to the 2021 CADTH Symposium compares the emerging Canadian market for biosimilars with other jurisdictions and assesses the impact of recent and upcoming biosimilar switching initiatives, highlighting the potential for cost savings.