Gap in Biosimilar Knowledge Causes Barriers to Implementation | ASHP Midyear
Amanuel Kehasse, PharmD, PhD, explored reasons why patients and providers may be avoiding the implementation of biosimilar medications.
Highlighting a lack of education as a key barrier to implementation, experts believe it’s crucial for providers and patients alike to seek a deeper understanding of biosimilar medications. As research and education regarding these drugs increase, the general public will possess greater knowledge on how to access valued but affordable care as key benefits of biosimilars.
Biosimilar medications were first introduced into the drug supply chain in 2015 and over 60 additional products have been approved since.1 While still relatively new products in the marketplace, there is currently some subtle hesitation and a lack of understanding when it comes to choosing biosimilars over their original counterparts. But as more research is released, and infrastructure for implementation is created, experts argue that biosimilars could be a much more familiar type of medication.
“Educating patients and making sure that we address their concerns is key. A lot of providers have concerns to use biosimilars, especially for the non-medical switch. So, educating providers why this will be important clinically and financially for the health care system would be key,” Amanuel Kehasse PharmD, PhD, Director, Clinical Programs and Drug information, Clearway Health, told Drug Topics.
At the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2024 Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition, held December 8 to 12 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Kehasse gave a presentation titled “Hot Sauce! Navigating the Spicy Landscape of Biosimilars in Specialty Pharmacy.” Drug Topics caught up with him to discuss biosimilar implementation in the pharmacy and the main forces impeding it.
Follow along with our coverage of the 2024 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition here.
Reference
1. Biosimilar Product Information. FDA. Published October 18, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilar-product-information
To read the full article and view the video in Drug Topics featuring Amanuel Kehasse, PharmD, PhD click here.