On January 13th, 2017 CARE™ faculty specialists representing the fields of gastroenterology, hematology, oncology, respirology and rheumatology met to consider the integration of Biosimilars into the Canadian healthcare system.
Biosimilars are drugs that may replace expensive biologic drugs that are going off patent. With biosimilars being relatively new to the Canadian landscape, there are also a number of questions/considerations on extrapolating data, interchangeability, immunogenicity, and systemic challenges (tracking and monitoring) that require attention.
Recognizing both the potential impact on the Canadian healthcare system and the importance of involving stakeholders, CARE™ faculty invited 16 speakers representing Canadian researchers, clinicians, Health Canada, public and private funding agencies, health economists, hospital pharmacists, nurses, advocacy groups, ethicists and legal experts to share perspectives, concerns, wants and needs.
An audience of 100+, representing the above named stakeholders, along with various levels of government, pharmaceutical companies and industry associations, listened in while speakers and assembled faculty discussed biosimilars from multiple perspectives.
The aim of this Congress is to increase collective understanding, consider education needs for specialists and assembled stakeholders, and ultimately refine a CARE™ guidance/position on Biosimilars.
CARE™ Faculty believes:
- Developing clinical practice through optimization of current therapies
- Improving patient outcomes by developing innovative therapeutics
- Ensuring access to quality care for all Canadians by the responsible and evidence-based use of treatment
- Competition is welcomed to improve efficiency and access
CARE™ funding sources:
CARE™ receives unrestricted funding from multi-industry sponsors, institutions and associations. Content reflects the opinions, presentations and analyses of experts, investigators, educators and clinicians (“CARE™ Faculty”), whose activities, while independent, are commercially supported by the noted sponsor(s). Program content is developed independently of sponsor(s).
Background Steps that led up to this CARE™ Congress
- CARE™ conducted needs assessments in oncology, hematology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology to understand current perceptions of biosimilars and their use in Canada
- A multi-disciplinary group of CARE™ faculty members met October 27th, 2016 to discuss the various needs assessment data, and the impact biosimilars will have in Canada
- There was consensus to host a larger meeting involving more stakeholders; CARE™ has worked to quickly assemble this Congress involving not only different specialties, but different stakeholder representatives.
For more information on the steering faculty, assembled CARE™ faculty, speaker list, or for questions/information needs regarding CARE™, please contact Christina Lopes or Erica Duncan.
References:
- Hirsch BR, Lyman GH. Biosimilars: are they ready for primetime in the United States? J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2011;9: 934–943
- Based on 2013 sales of biologics with patents expiring before 2021 (Remicade, Eprex, Aranesp, Levemir, Humira, Avastin, Enbrel, Lucentis, Rituxan, Gonal-F). IMS Health Canada – Canadian Drug and Hospital (CDH) Sales, December 2013, page 11
Click here to view more highlights from the CARE™ Congress on Biosimilars.
