An online survey among US patients with immune-mediated conditions: Attitudes about biosimilars

BACKGROUND: Few surveys about biosimilars have been conducted among US patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate attitudes about biosimilars among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsO/A), and/or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: WebMD, LLC fielded a 16-item online survey to members of the US Dynata consumer panel meeting these criteria: aged 18 years or older; self-reported specialist diagnosis of RA, PsO/A, or IBD of at least 1 year; and not currently receiving an infliximab biosimilar. A quota of 500 was set, stratified by region and condition. The survey was exempt by the institutional review board, exploratory, and not registered. RESULTS: Overall, 44% (n = 221) of patients were on a biologic; 56% (n = 279) were not on a biologic (40% [n = 199] were biologic naive and 16% [n = 80] used biologics in the past). Among all patients, 66% were unaware of biosimilars and 24% were aware (10% unsure). After being shown the US Food and Drug Administration definition of a biosimilar, main concerns were side effects (59%), long-term safety (50%), and not knowing a lot (46%). Among current users, 43% would switch to a biosimilar and 26% would not (32% unsure). Of those unwilling to switch, 51% were concerned about side effects, 42% about financial support, and 40% about efficacy. When those not on a biologic were asked if their doctor prescribed an original anti–tumor necrosis factor α but their insurance required its biosimilar, 49% would switch and 8% would not (43% unsure). 51% of patients surveyed thought pharmacist-level substitution of an interchangeable biosimilar was acceptable with notification. Survey findings were consistent among the RA, PsO/A, and IBD subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Although two-thirds of patients surveyed were unaware of biosimilars, the majority were potentially receptive to biosimilar treatment after being provided with the definition of a biosimilar. Patients expressed a desire to know more about biosimilars in general, how they compare with original biologics, their benefits, and cost.