Abstract
Despite the first approval of biosimilars’ in 2010, biosimilar products usage has remained low in Taiwan. This cross-sectional survey study assessed healthcare professionals’ (HCPs)—hospital pharmacists, oncologists, and rheumatologists—knowledge, and attitudes toward biosimilars. More precisely, their knowledge and attitude towards biosimilars’ current usage and regulations in Taiwan were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation knowledge score was 2.56 ± 0.86 out of 4 (n = 395), and a difference in knowledge score was determined according to the hospital types (p = 0.004). Rheumatologists possessed significantly higher confidence in their knowledge of biosimilars than other HCPs (p = 0.001). Pharmacists showed the highest acceptance—and rheumatologists the least—for switching patients from reference drugs to biosimilars (p = 0.02). Hospital type was associated with the respondent’s confidence in their knowledge (p = 0.04) and the preference for distinguishable naming of biosimilars (p = 0.007). Their knowledge scores were associated with their confidence in the efficacy and safety of biosimilars (p = 0.02). The study found that the current level of biosimilar knowledge of HCPs in Taiwan is low. The higher the knowledge score, the greater the confidence in biosimilars and the familiarity with relevant regulations.
Highlights
Biologics are essential for many severe chronic diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases
In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement claim for biologics reached a total of TWD 30 billion
The NHI reimbursement for biosimilars was estimated to be less than 1% of all biologics [5]
Summary
Biologics are essential for many severe chronic diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. For public health insurance, making reimbursement decisions that consider the high costs of biologic drugs without compromising treatment quality is a common practice globally. With many high-priced blockbusters approaching patent expiration, the rise of biosimilars offers hope for a solution. The global biosimilar market has grown rapidly over the years. Experts estimated that the market will be worth more than USD 60 billion by 2026, up from 30 billion in 2020 [1,2,3,4]. In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement claim for biologics reached a total of TWD 30 billion USD 1.07 billion) in 2018, accounting for 16% of overall drug expenditures. The NHI reimbursement for biosimilars was estimated to be less than 1% of all biologics [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
