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

• Published in: ACR open rheumatology 2024-02, Vol.6 (2), p.64-71
• Main Authors: Gasteiger, Chiara, Lobo, Maria, Stanley, Robin, Wong, Lun Shen, Murdoch, Rachel, Dalbeth, Nicola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alcohol; Arthritis; Biological products; Crohn's disease; Inflammatory diseases; Logistics; Original; Patients; Questionnaires; Rheumatic diseases; Rheumatology; Supplies; Transitions
• ISSN: 2578-5745; 2578-5745
• DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11634

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