Biosimilars Seek Regulatory Approval in the U.S. & Europe; Plus MTX Underused in the U.S.

MTX was frequently under dosed, given for an inadequate length of time and rarely switched to the subcutaneous form before biologic therapy initiation. The study’s authors note that switching to subcutaneous MTX prevents the need for or significantly extends the time to starting a biologic. Optimizing MTX dosing could lead to better RA control and significant cost savings.

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, CGP, RPh, is a freelance medical writer based in New York City and a pharmacist at New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.

References

1. Pro Pharma Communications International. EMA recommends approval of etanercept biosimilar. GaBI Online. 2015 Nov 27.
2. Pro Pharma Communications International. Amgen submits biosimilar adalimumab application to FDA. GaBI Online. 2015 Nov 27.
3. O’Dell JR, Rohr M, Cohen SB, Thorne JC, Mikuls TR. Underuse of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the United States (US): Results of a comprehensive pharmaceutical claims analysis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2015;67(suppl 10).