FRI0126 Patients’ concerns about and perception of biosimilars in rheumatology : a french survey

Background Patient adhesion to biosimilars DMARDs have become a big medico-economic issue. Indeed, savings will depend on penetration rate of biosimilars on the biologics market. Like generics, biosimilars are unknown by the general population and patients reluctance appears to be an obstacle to the diffusion of these therapeutics. Objectives To assess patients‘knowledge, information and concerns about biosimilars and to identify levers and obstacles to adhesion to biosimilars prescription. Methods National cross-sectional study assessing information, knowledge and concerns about biosimilars of french patients treated for a rheumatism (whether they were treated by a bDMARDs or not). The data were collected from march to july 2017 by an online assessment. Results 629 patients answered the assessment. 43% knew the definition of biosimilars. 65% felt unsufficiently informed about biosimilars. The principal sources of information were the rheumatologist and the patient associations. 44% of patients treated with a biosimilar were not informed before they received a biosimilar. Patients concerns focused on molecular structure (46%), efficacy (60%) and tolerance (57%) comparatively to originator bDMARDs. Receiving information about biosimilars and understanding the definition of biosimilarity were two characteristics associated with better adhesion to biosimilars. The rheumatologist was considered the most influent source of information about biosimilar. Patients trust him concerning the decision to switch from the originator biologic to its biosimilar. Patient were reluctant to substitution by the pharmacist (2%). Conclusions Biosimilars are largely unknown by french patients at present. Information seems to be instrumental in patient adhesion to biosimilars and in the preservation of the therapeutic relationship. References [1] Jacobs I, Singh E, Sewell L, Al-Sabbagh A, Shane LG. Patient attitudes and understanding about biosimilars: an international cross-sectional survey. Patient Prefer Adherence. MAI2016;937. [2] Beck M, Michel B, Rybarczyk-Vigouret M-C, Leveque D, Sordet C, Sibilia J, et al. Rheumatologists’ Perceptions of Biosimilar Medicines Prescription: Findings from a French Web-Based Survey. BioDrugs Clin Immunother Biopharm Gene Ther. Dec2016;30(6):585–92. Disclosure of Interest None declared