A biosimilar is a biological medicine that shows no clinically meaningful differences with another already approved biological medicine (the ‘reference medicine’).
A biosimilar is a biological medicine that shows no clinically meaningful differences with another already approved biological medicine (the ‘reference medicine’). A new study in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that one-quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis who switched from reference infliximab to biosimilar infliximab (called CT-P13) stopped taking CT-P13 during six months follow-up, mainly due to subjective health complaints.
The substantial discontinuation rate of CT-P13 after open-label transitioning might be explained by the awareness of clinicians and patients of the transition. This awareness might induce negative expectations about transitioning to a biosimilar, resulting in negative symptoms during treatment (nocebo effect) and/or incorrect causal attributions.
“As a result, communication between clinicians and patients seems to be the determining factor of the success of transitioning to a biosimilar in daily practice”, said lead author Dr. Lieke Tweehuysen, of Sint Maartenskliniek, in the Netherlands.
Additional Information
Link to Study: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.40324/full
About Journal
Arthritis & Rheumatology, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology, is a peer-reviewed publication for scientists and clinicians interested in the natural history, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome of the rheumatic diseases. Arthritis & Rheumatology publishes the highest quality basic and clinical research related to the rheumatic diseases, encompassing a wide range of areas of investigative activity. In addition, the journal publishes review articles, editorials, and other educational material intended for both researchers and clinicians. Serving the worldwide community of rheumatology investigators and clinicians, Arthritis & Rheumatology is known internationally as a top rheumatology research journal.
Penny Smith
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