Patients with inflammatory arthritis face challenges in finding effective treatments to manage their condition. A recent study conducted in Spain has shed light on the impact of biosimilar versions of etanercept and adalimumab on treatment retention for patients with inflammatory arthritis. The study compared the retention rates of patients who started either biosimilar or originator products over a 2 to 3-year follow-up period. The findings provide valuable insights into the preferences of patients and clinicians when it comes to choosing between biosimilars and originator products.
The study, led by María Paz Martínez-Vidal, MD, PhD, from Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante, revealed that patients were more likely to continue taking biosimilar versions of etanercept and adalimumab compared to the originator products. The discontinuation rates for originator products were significantly higher than for biosimilars, with an adjusted hazard ratio in favor of biosimilars. Despite this, the study did not identify specific reasons why patients preferred biosimilar products over originators.
Interestingly, the study found that the most common medical reasons for discontinuation, such as adverse effects and lack of efficacy, were not significantly different between biosimilar and originator products. This suggests that patients may have other preferences or factors influencing their choice of treatment. The findings from this study provide reassurance for clinicians when considering the use of biosimilars in real-world practice.
The research was conducted using data from the Spanish registry BIOBADASER, which includes patients with rheumatic diseases. The analysis focused on over 4,000 patients prescribed etanercept or adalimumab between 2016 and 2023. The mean follow-up period varied between the two drugs, with a higher percentage of patients starting the biosimilar versions. Factors such as disease duration and concomitant methotrexate were found to influence treatment retention, alongside the type of treatment line used.
The study highlights the importance of considering biosimilar options for patients with inflammatory arthritis. While the use of biosimilars was not mandated by the Spanish health service, the high adoption rate among patients suggests a favorable acceptance of these products. The findings also suggest that factors such as disease duration and concomitant medications play a role in treatment retention, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in managing inflammatory arthritis.
The study provides valuable insights into the impact of biosimilars on treatment retention for patients with inflammatory arthritis. The higher retention rates observed with biosimilar versions of etanercept and adalimumab highlight the potential benefits of these products in real-world practice. Further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for patient preferences and to optimize treatment outcomes for individuals with inflammatory arthritis.
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