Rheumatology Patients' Experiences of a Mandatory Nationwide Transition to an Adalimumab Biosimilar

Chiara Gasteiger; Maria Lobo; Robin Stanley; Lun Shen Wong; Rachel Murdoch; Nicola Dalbeth

doi:10.1002/acr2.11634

Rheumatology Patients' Experiences of a Mandatory Nationwide Transition to an Adalimumab Biosimilar

ACR Open Rheumatol. 2024 Feb;6(2):64-71. doi: 10.1002/acr2.11634. Epub 2023 Nov 23.

Authors

Chiara Gasteiger¹, Maria Lobo², Robin Stanley¹, Lun Shen Wong¹, Rachel Murdoch¹, Nicola Dalbeth³

Affiliations

¹ University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
² Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
³ University of Auckland and Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Abstract

Objective: Transitions to biosimilars are common to reduce the cost burden of biologics. While brand changes can be daunting for patients, few studies have explored patients' experiences with the transitioning process. This study examined rheumatology patients' experiences with a mandatory nationwide brand change to an adalimumab biosimilar.

Methods: People with rheumatic diseases involved in the adalimumab transition in Aotearoa New Zealand completed a nationwide online survey. Participants (n = 117, 48% with rheumatoid arthritis) reported their satisfaction with the biosimilar, logistics and supply, information and communication, and availability of support. They also reported what did and did not go well during the transition and provided recommendations for future transitions.

Results: The mean [SD] satisfaction score with the transition was 6.2 [3.2] on a 0-10 scale, with 10 indicating high satisfaction. Participants were the least satisfied with the support and information from patient support organizations, and training for the device during the transition. Participants were most satisfied with the biosimilar supply, support from pharmacists, and how early they were informed before the transition occurred. After the transition, participants were less satisfied with the device quality, patient support program, biosimilar safety and efficacy, and the provision of alcohol wipes and sharps bins (p < 0.05 for all). Satisfaction with training for the biosimilar device (B = .25, p = .036) predicted overall satisfaction. Participants appreciated less injection pain and the ease of the biosimilar device. The lack of alcohol wipes and loss of the bio-originator support program were viewed negatively.

Conclusion: Future biosimilar transitions should ensure the availability of alcohol wipes, sharps bins, and a comparable patient support program. Patient support organizations could be involved in providing information to patients about the change.