Biosimilars could facilitate early access to life changing biologicals for patients

At the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 23rd Annual International Meeting in Baltimore, USA, South Korean biosimilars maker Celltrion Healthcare (Kosdaq: 068270) advocated for healthcare systems to introduce biologics earlier in a patient’s treatment regimen in order to improve clinical outcomes.

Several studies show that the early introduction of biologics can bring greater clinical benefit to patients. However, only a limited number of patients have access to biological treatment due to the high-cost of biologics and current reimbursement policies determined by pharmacoeconomic evaluations. Since the introduction of biosimilars, the overall cost of biological treatments has reduced in Europe, allowing an increased number of patients to access this important treatment option earlier in their course of treatment.

Professor Jørgen Jahnsen of Akershus University Hospital, Norway, said: “For the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, biological treatments are proven to be the most efficacious medical therapy and their early introduction can provide better outcomes. To offer those living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis the best treatment, we must increase patient access to biological treatments at the most optimal time. The introduction of biosimilars can facilitate this.”