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An evaluation of the utilisation of biosimilar monoclonal antibody drugs in Ireland and barriers to their usage

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

While biologic drugs have demonstrated efficacy across a range of indications, patient access to these drugs is constrained due to their high cost. Biosimilars provide a means to increase patient access while reducing the financial burden.

Aims

The primary objective was to determine the current usage of biosimilar and reference trastuzumab and rituximab in four Irish hospitals. A secondary objective involved determining barriers to biosimilar usage.

Methods

This project involved a retrospective chart review to analyse the usage of reference and biosimilar versions of trastuzumab and rituximab. Additionally, a prospective cross-sectional study identified barriers to the usage of biosimilars via the distribution of a novel questionnaire to patients, pharmacists, doctors and students.

Results

The utilisation of biosimilar intravenous trastuzumab and rituximab ranged from 39 to 100%, and 0 to 89%, respectively. A total of n = 479 questionnaire responses were included. Biosimilar awareness was significantly lower among ‘Doctors and Medical Students’ (45.3%; 95% [CI, 33.8–57.3%]) compared to ‘Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students’ (97.1%; 95% [CI, 94–98.8%; comparison p < 0.001]). A significant majority of healthcare professionals agreed biosimilars should have consistent nomenclature (p < 0.001). A significant majority of patients (87.3%, 95% [CI, 81.3–92%; p < 0.001]) indicated that they would agree to commence using a biosimilar medicine.

Conclusion

Biosimilar versions of trastuzumab and rituximab were in use to a variable extent. There remains a considerable opportunity to further increase the usage to maximise their potential benefits. A series of challenges were identified including reduced awareness among the medical profession and lack of clear nomenclature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

    Kate E. Coakley

  2. Cancer Research @UCC, University College Cork and Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

    Richard M. Bambury & Séamus O’Reilly

  3. Pharmacy Department, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Ballintemple, Cork, Ireland

    Eimear McGuinness

  4. Pharmacy Department, Mercy University Hospital, Grenville Place, Cork, Ireland

    Maeve Dennehy

  5. Pharmacy Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

    Cian Ronayne

  6. Haematology Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

    Mary Cahill

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  1. Kate E. Coakley
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  2. Richard M. Bambury
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  7. Séamus O’Reilly
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kate E. Coakley.

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Conflict of interest

Dr Richard Bambury is a co-founder of ‘Portable Medical Technology’. Prof Seamus O’Reilly carries out consulting for Astra Zeneca, receives travel expenses from Roche and Nordic and has meeting registration costs covered by Novartis. Other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Coakley, K.E., Bambury, R.M., McGuinness, E. et al. An evaluation of the utilisation of biosimilar monoclonal antibody drugs in Ireland and barriers to their usage. Ir J Med Sci 193, 1191–1199 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03587-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03587-0

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