Biosimilars and access to biologic therapy in immune-mediated diseases.

Background: The rise of biologic agents has been a major breakthrough in treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). However, their high cost underscores the need for strategies to optimize treatment efficiency. Biosimilars offer cost-effective alternatives to biologics. This study aimed to assess biosimilar drug availability's impact on biologic therapy access for IMIDs.

Research design and methods: A retrospective observational study in 15 Spanish hospitals analyzed IMID patients (arthropathies, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis) initiating biologic therapy with originator or biosimilar drugs (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab). Time to availability and initiation of biologic therapy were assessed.

Results: 267 patients were included, with 58.4% starting on biosimilars. The mean time to availability of the biologic drugs in the hospitals was 15.9 ± 6.7 months, (20.0 ± 12.4 for originator and 11.8 ± 5.2 for biosimilars). Mean time to biologic treatment was 7.7 ± 9.0 years (8.6 ± 8.9 for originators and 7.0 ± 9.0 for biosimilars). Showing statistically significant differences among conditions.

Conclusion: The emergence of biosimilar drugs has enhanced market competition and accelerated their adoption into hospitals' therapeutic regimens over original reference drugs. This has significantly improved access to biologic therapy for patients with IMIDs, evidenced by a notable 1.6-year reduction in access time for biosimilar drugs.