Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs Biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have greatly changed the treatment and outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis; there are many considerations for their use that pharmacists should be aware of.…
Initiating biologics and biosimilars in practice: approach and consultation guidance Considerations for initiating biologic and biosimilar medicines, including the relevant clinical pathways and patient counselling.…
Interchangeability of biosimilars: a global perspective for pharmacists The first innovator biologic drug was introduced around 40 years ago in the early 1980s. This article provides pharmacists with an overview of the pivotal concepts of biosimilar interchangeability with innovator biologics.…
First subcutaneous infliximab recommended for approval by EMA committee The European Medicines Agency’s human medicines committee has recommended approval of the first subcutaneous version of biosimilar infliximab.…
Switching to ‘best-value’ generics and biosimilars saved the NHS £294m in 2018/2019, figures show The uptake of ‘best-value’ medicines, such as generics and biosimilars, saved the NHS £294m in 2018/2019, according to figures released by NHS England.…
Majority of patients not asked for consent before being switched to a biosimilar, survey finds Less than half of patients (47%) were asked for their consent before being switched to an adalimumab biosimilar, according to the preliminary results of a patient survey carried out by the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society.…
NHS savings from adalimumab biologic switching hit earlier than expected The NHS will make financial savings from switching to biosimilar versions of adalimumab earlier than originally anticipated, according to NHS England’s regional pharmacist for the south of England.…
NHS England to save £300m after patent expiry of most costly drug The NHS in England will save £300m from the patent expiry of adalimumab, the most costly drug used in NHS hospitals, which is double previous estimates, NHS England has announced.…
Low clinician engagement and patient resistance main barriers to biosimilars uptake say CCGs Lack of clinician engagement, patient resistance, and safety concerns were among the main barriers to biosimilars uptake according to a survey of 134 clinical commissioning groups by NHS England.…
