biosimilars provide an opportunity to manage the incoming innovation in oncology and to create a more sustainable healthcare system. but this can only be realized if savings generated from the use of biosimilars is re-allocated into cancer drug budgets [and not into a general fund].
patient access, cost containment and value are the subjects of discussion and debate globally. as cancer drug prices continue to increase, exceeding the capacity of cancer care budgets, the sustainability of healthcare systems remains a key policy concern. but we need an approach to biosimilars that focuses on the potential for greater choice and value, increased patient access to treatment and improved outcomes while containing costs versus just containing costs.
these cost savings can create efficiencies in the delivery of high value care through expanded use of biologic treatment. without a long term strategy in canada that increases adoption in clinical practice with consistent and clear pathways or a deeper understanding of which payor, provider or patient unmet needs will be addressed, the intended impact of biosimilars to our healthcare system and the value, then biosimilars are no longer a tool to manage innovation in oncology but rather just a cost saving measure.
we need a canadian overall vision that supports a favourable environment for biosimilars while addressing the needs of stakeholders Click To Tweet
we need an overall vision that supports a favourable environment for biosimilars while addressing the needs of stakeholders. this type of approach would support a sustainable biosimilar market for prescribers, for patients and for payors. but without transparency on how these savings will benefit the healthcare system and more specifically the cancer care system, we are setting ourselves up for a long and unpleasant journey to the north of biosimilars uptake.