Adoption of Oncology Biosimilars into Clinical Practice

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, defines biosimilars in oncology and what distinguishes them from a reference biologic.

A discussion on what it means for a biosimilar to have “interchangeability” status and its potential impact on biosimilar adoption in clinical practice.

Tim Peterson, PharmD, BCOP, leads the discussion on immunogenicity testing and lot-to-lot variability, including the potential impact on the safety and efficacy of reference biologics and their biosimilars.

The impact on biosimilar utilization in clinical practice caused by secondary patents of biologics and skinny labels of biosimilars is discussed.

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, provides insight on biosimilar adoption both in oncology and non-oncology practice settings.

Experts discuss managing biosimilar adoption in various clinical practice settings, working through the P&T (Pharmacy and Therapeutics) approval process, and the importance of relying on a shared-decision making framework.

A discussion on the extrapolation of European data to aid in P&T (Pharmacy and Therapeutics) committee decisions to adopt the use of biosimilars.

Brandon Dyson, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, shares his approach to switching a patient already on biologic therapy to a biosimilar, and panelists discuss the importance of education regarding the extrapolation of indications for biosimilars.

Overcoming barriers for payer coverage of biosimilars as well as considerations for carrying costs are discussed.

The influence of provider buy-in for getting a biosimilar onto formulary and the role of providers in the incorporation of biosimilars are discussed.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of biosimilar adoption in clinical practice, updates to NCCN guideline recommendations, and financial implications associated with the utilization of biosimilars.

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP; Brandon Dyson, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS; Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; and Tim Peterson, PharmD, BCOP, provide advice and strategies for adopting biosimilars into clinical practice.