Current and prospective utilization of innovator biologics and biosimilars in Ontario

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Background

A biosimilar biologic drug, or biosimilar, is a drug that is highly similar and has no clinically meaningful differences compared to an innovator biologic drug that has already been authorized for sale. Unfortunately, biosimilars appear to be underutilized due to a multitude of factors at the policy-level (e.g. regulatory requirements) and at the consumer-level (e.g. patient and physician preferences).

Objective

Objectives: 1. Examine the current utilization and expenditures of innovator biologics and biosimilars indicated for rheumatic conditions and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 2. Forecast the utilization and expenditures of innovator biologics and biosimilars indicated for rheumatic conditions and IBD. 3. Explore differences in the uptake of biosimilars by patient medical conditions (i.e. rheumatic conditions and IBD) and by drug type (e.g. etanercept and infliximab).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among individuals living in Ontario, Canada who were dispensed a publicly-funded innovator biologic or biosimilar through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2019.

Results

The number of biologic users has increased by 462.3% from the first quarter of 2010 (N=21,383) to the second quarter of 2019 (N=120,247). Costs similarly increased by 257.5% during the same period (from $83.5 million to $298.6 million). The quarterly number of users and costs are projected to increase to 162,020 users (95% CI: 137,436, 186,455) and $369.8 million (95% CI: $341.9 million, $397.8 million) by Q2-2022.

Conclusion

Initiatives should be explored that could increase the utilization of biosimilars, given the large potential for cost savings for the government.
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Additional Resources

Infographic

CADTH ReportCADTH Report (French)

Citation

Tadrous M, McCormack D, Martins D, Kitchen S, Singh S, Gomes T. Current and prospective utilization of innovator biologics and biosimilars in Ontario. January 2020. Available at: https://odprn.ca/biosimilars/.

Date Released:
January 21, 2020

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