Similarities and Differences in Biosimilars: A Literature Review and Summary
Abstract
The use of biosimilars is becoming standard practice for Canadian dermatologists. However, most of these clinicians most likely graduated prior to their adoption of biosimilars and, as a result, are likely to have minimal to no experience with biosimilars. Considering this limited prior experience, it can be challenging to gain a full understanding of how one biosimilar differentiates from another. The objective of this paper is to educate clinicians so that they are well‑informed on how to select the appropriate biosimilar for the patient at hand. This literature review and summary will review the current biosimilar landscape in Canada; review nuances between adalimumab biosimilars; and review available clinical experience data of adalimumab switch to biosimilar and vice versa for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). It also aims to highlight methodologies for improving biosimilar patient compliance when switching to alternative agents.
References
Montero-Vilchez T, Cuenca-Barrales C, Rodriguez-Tejero A, et al. Switching from adalimumab originator to biosimilar: clinical experience in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. J Clin Med. 2022;11(4):1007.
St-Clair Jones A, Prignano F, Goncalves J, et al. Understanding & minimizing injection-site pain following subcutaneous administration of biologics: a narrative review. Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7:741-757).
Odorici G, Lucrezia Pacetti R, Forconi R, et al. Seven years-experience of adalimumab therapy for HS in a real-life dermatologic setting. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022. 33(4):2063-7.
