Perception toward Biosimilars and Nonmedical Switching: A Cross-sectional Survey among Arab Rheumatologists

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and acceptance for biosimilars and nonmedical switching in Arab rheumatologists.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted during the Arab League Against Rheumatism conference using a structured questionnaire consisting of 17 questions.ResultsThe participants were mainly females (50.7%), practicing in the Gulf region (65.7%) with a median [Interquartile Range (IQR)] age and years of practice as consultants of 44 (13) years and 10 (14) years, respectively. The median (IQR) selfperceived knowledge of biosimilars was 5.3 (4) out of 10. Most physicians agreed that the evidence published to grant biosimilars an approval for the studied indication was enough (40.6%), yet most of them believed it was not enough for extrapolation of indications (40.6%). The mean (standard deviation) likelihood to prescribe biosimilars in the future was 5.39 (2.6). The majority of rheumatologists (59.8%) believe that nonmedical switching could pose harm to patients. Most physicians agreed that nonmedical switching will lead to a significant saving in cost (58.5%) with the majority expecting a cost reduction between 30% and 50% to justify nonmedical switching.ConclusionThis is the first study to evaluate acceptance of biosimilars and nonmedical switching on a diverse population of rheumatologists in the Middle East. Future educational activities task forces should target these topics.