Position paper of Italian rheumatologists on the use of biosimilar drugs

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2015 Jan-Feb;33(1):1-4. Epub 2014 Nov 7.

Abstract

The recent availability of biosimilars as a result of the expiry of the patents of first-generation biotechnological drugs may theoretically reduce the direct costs of such treatments, making their use accessible to a larger number of patients. However, the currently available clinical data refer to a relatively small number of patients, and do not provide sufficient information concerning long-term efficacy and safety or the frequency of rare adverse events. Given the importance of the introduction of biosimilar drugs and the limitations of our current knowledge of their efficacy and safety profiles, we believe it is mandatory to draw up a position paper for Italian Rheumatologists. Moreover, in order to guarantee their safety, it is mandatory to indicate behavioural rules for the involved specialists and competent authorities, and perform ad hoc clinical trials and appropriate drug surveillance.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / adverse effects
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Substitution
  • Drug and Narcotic Control
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Italy
  • Patents as Topic
  • Patient Safety
  • Rheumatic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / immunology
  • Rheumatology / standards*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals