Some Specialists Leery of Prescribing Biosimilars

Some 94% of physicians surveyed think biosimilar drugs will add value to health care, yet just 17% of specialists said they would be very likely to prescribe them, according to a new report from Quantia.

The survey tapped nearly 300 primary care and specialist physicians via the online community QuantiaMD to gauge their thoughts on biosimilar drugs. The specialists surveyed spanned endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, hematologists, oncologists, nephrologists, and rheumatologists—groups most likely to see patients with conditions that could be treated with biologics.

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When asked about the top value they thought biosimilars would provide, 35% of respondents cited lower costs to patients and the health care system, 30% said greater patient access to therapies, and 27% indicated an increased choice of prescribing options.

When specialists in particular were asked about their likelihood of prescribing a biosimilar if one was available for a biologic they currently prescribe, 40% said they would be somewhat likely, 30% said they were not sure, 17% said they would be very likely, 8% not very likely, and 5% not at all likely. Their main concerns were safety and efficacy, drug substitution regulations, and accurate evaluation of when to prescribe a biosimilar versus a branded drug, according to the report.

“The survey findings confirm that many physicians already recognize the potential clinical value and cost savings that biosimilars represent, and many are hopeful that these therapies will soon be viable for their patient populations,” said Dan Malloy, executive vice president of Quantia. “The challenge is offering the education and support, through the appropriate channels, that will reach the physicians who need it most and transform this general awareness into action.”

According to the specialists surveyed, 25% said specialty societies were their most trusted source of information about biosimilars, 19% indicated their peers, and 18% said key opinion leaders carried the most influence.—Jolynn Tumolo

References

1. Reading the signs: a roadmap for engaging physicians in the biosimilars discussion. Quantia. August 2015.
2. New Quantia report reveals physician attitudes toward biosimilars [press release]. Quantia: Waltham, MA; August 18, 2015.