A recent study conducted in Spain has shed light on the effectiveness of biosimilar drugs compared to originator products in patients with inflammatory arthritis. The study found that patients who were prescribed biosimilar versions of etanercept or adalimumab were more likely to continue taking them compared to those prescribed originator products. The discontinuation rates over 2 to 3 years of follow-up were significantly lower for biosimilars (33.4%) compared to originator products (53.3%). This indicates a preference for biosimilars among patients, as they were more likely to adhere to the treatment.
The study revealed that the two most common medical reasons for discontinuation – adverse effects and lack of efficacy – were not significantly different between biosimilar and originator products. This suggests that patient perception or clinician preference might play a role in the decision to discontinue the medication rather than the actual medical reasons. The researchers noted that this finding could provide reassurance to clinicians when considering the use of biosimilars in real-world practice.
The study, conducted using data from the Spanish registry called BIOBADASER, included 4,162 patients prescribed either etanercept or adalimumab from 2016 to 2023. The mean follow-up period was 2.5 years for etanercept and 1.8 years for adalimumab. The patients had varying forms of inflammatory arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most common diagnosis. The majority of patients were women, and more than 80% of them started on a biosimilar version of the drug.
In addition to using a biosimilar instead of the originator product, the study identified other factors that predicted longer treatment retention. These included longer disease duration and concomitant use of methotrexate. On the other hand, using the biologic as a second- or later-line treatment was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation. The study also found that achieving remission as a reason for discontinuation was more common with originator drugs compared to biosimilars.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of biosimilar drugs in patients with inflammatory arthritis. The preference for biosimilars over originator products in terms of treatment retention highlights the importance of patient perception and adherence in the management of chronic conditions. Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing patient preference for biosimilars and to optimize treatment outcomes in this patient population.
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