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Open Access 01-05-2019 | Original Article

PANLAR consensus statement on biosimilars

Authors: S. C. Kowalski, J. A. Benavides, P. A. B. Roa, C. Galarza-Maldonado, C. V. Caballero-Uribe, E. R. Soriano, C. Pineda, V. F. Azevedo, G. Avila-Pedretti, A. M. Babini, A. Cachafeiro-Vilar, M. Cifuentes-Alvarado, S. B. Cohen, P. E. Díaz, L. Diaz Soto, C. Encalada, B. Garro, I. A. G. Sariego, M. Guibert-Toledano, V. J. K. Rodriguez, M. E. L. Lopez, A. P. Ortega, A. S. Russell, P. Santos-Moreno, I. S. Terán, A. Vargas, G. Vásquez, R. M. Xavier, D. X. Xibillé Firedman, E. Mysler, J. Kay

Published in: Clinical Rheumatology | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases, resulting in better outcomes. However, their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. Following patent expiration for biologicals, the availability of biosimilars, which typically are less expensive due to lower development costs, provides additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. The availability of biosimilars in North American and Latin American countries is evolving, with differing regulations and clinical indications.

Objective

The objective of the study was to present the consensus statement on biosimilars in rheumatology developed by Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR).

Methods

Using a modified Delphi process approach, the following topics were addressed: regulation, efficacy and safety, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, automatic substitution, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. Consensus was achieved when there was agreement among 80% or more of the panel members. Three Delphi rounds were conducted to reach consensus. Questionnaires were sent electronically to panel members and comments about each question were solicited.

Results

Eight recommendations were formulated regarding regulation, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics.

Conclusion

The recommendations highlighted that, after receiving regulatory approval, pharmacovigilance is a fundamental strategy to ensure safety of all medications. Registries should be employed to monitor use of biosimilars and to identify potential adverse effects. The price of biosimilars should be significantly lower than that of reference products to enhance patient access. Biomimics are not biosimilars and, if they are to be marketed, they must first be evaluated and approved according to established regulatory pathways for novel biopharmaceuticals.

Key Points

• Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

• Their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America.

• Biosimilars typically are less expensive, providing additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases.

• PANLAR presents its consensus on biosimilars in rheumatology

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Title: PANLAR consensus statement on biosimilars
Authors: S. C. Kowalski
J. A. Benavides
P. A. B. Roa
C. Galarza-Maldonado
C. V. Caballero-Uribe
E. R. Soriano
C. Pineda
V. F. Azevedo
G. Avila-Pedretti
A. M. Babini
A. Cachafeiro-Vilar
M. Cifuentes-Alvarado
S. B. Cohen
P. E. Díaz
L. Diaz Soto
C. Encalada
B. Garro
I. A. G. Sariego
M. Guibert-Toledano
V. J. K. Rodriguez
M. E. L. Lopez
A. P. Ortega
A. S. Russell
P. Santos-Moreno
I. S. Terán
A. Vargas
G. Vásquez
R. M. Xavier
D. X. Xibillé Firedman
E. Mysler
J. Kay
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Clinical Rheumatology / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 0770-3198
Electronic ISSN: 1434-9949
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-019-04496-3

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