Biosimilars have been a vital part of pharmaceutical care for some time, offering a bridge between innovation and accessibility in the realm of biologic medicines. This change presents an opportunity for pharmacists to play a pivotal role in patient care and cost management in the NHS.
Let’s delve into what biosimilars mean for you, your practice, and your patients.
What is a biologic medicine?
A biologic medicine is a medicine that is derived from a biological source, such as a bacteria or virus1.
What is a biosimilar medicine?
Biosimilars are biologic medicines similar to a biologic medicine where the patent for the originator biologic medicine has expired. They contain the same active substance and are similar in terms of their quality, safety and clinical effectiveness to the originator product2.
What is the impact of biosimilars on the NHS?
Many of the former ‘blockbuster’ biologic medicines are due to expire in the upcoming years. Therefore, we expect to see an increase in biosimilar competition in the UK3. In fact, biosimilars represent the largest cost growth areas in the NHS medicines budget1.
In 2017, the NHS launched a framework that set a target of getting at least 90% of new patients onto the best value biologic within three months of the launch of a biosimilar and at least 80% of existing patients within 12 months4.
It is estimated that biosimilars save the NHS up to £300 million each year freeing up resources that could enable more patients to have access to other life-enhancing medicines5.
What is the impact of biosimilars on patients?
In addition to freeing up resources, which can be reinvested to enable more patients to have access to other life-enhancing medicines, companies like Accord are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance the patient experience by improving the original medicine through value added products. These can include enhancements such as improving the way the medicine is administered to patients.
How can you support your patients when switching them to a biosimilar?
Patients can sometimes be reluctant to switch to a biosimilar, but pharmacists play a key role in supporting patients and providing them with a positive experience.
Pharmacists can do this by:
- Having a discussion prior to the switch.
- Follow-up afterwards to address any outstanding questions or concerns.
- Education:
- Explaining that biosimilars must meet the same robust regulatory standards as the originator.
- Reassure them that, in line with MHRA guidance, all biologic medicines (including Biosimilars) are prescribed by their brand name (rather than generic) so they won’t be receiving a different Biosimilar each time it is dispensed.
- Explain the rationale for why they are switching.
- Explaining the process of switching and what they can expect during the switching process.
With the NHS firmly backing the use of biosimilars, we anticipate more biosimilars will come to market. Pharmacists play a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of biosimilars among patients, helping the NHS save money5.
References
1 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/standards-for-biological-medicines-understanding-them-and-how-they-make-a-difference Accessed: January 2024
2 https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/what-is-a-biosimilar-medicine/ Accessed: January 2024
3 https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/why-all-the-fuss-about-biosimilars Accessed: January 2024
4 https://blogs.deloitte.co.uk/health/2021/05/the-cost-effectiveness-of-biosimilars-and-their-future-potential-for-the-nhs.html Accessed: January 2024
5 https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-2/biosimilar-medicines/ Accessed: January 2024
UK-05784. Date of preparation: January 2024
