In this online, self-learning activity:
Biosimilar drugs are products meant to be similar in quality, safety, and efficacy to an already licensed reference biotherapeutic product. Whereas generics are virtually identical replicas of conventional medications, biosimilars are not the same as the original product – a practically unavoidable outcome because of the considerably large molecular structure that biologics mimic. The literature suggests that learning activities focused on the evolving landscape of biosimilars, which are germane to the therapeutic area because of their potential role in cost containment. Both the FDA and medical literature independently affirm the need for clinician education on biosimilars, including: comparative efficacy; adverse event rates and management (potential concerns have included immunogenicity); regulatory guidance on interchangeability and substitution – including prescribers retaining some degree of ability to intervene in a product’s substitution at the dispensing stage; and cost considerations.
The following healthcare professionals: Rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists who practice in the aforementioned areas of specialty; and any other healthcare professionals with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with the inflammatory disease states covered by this activity.
Commercial Support Disclosure: This program is supported by educational grants from AMGEN.
This activity is free of charge.
Release Date: June 25, 2020 -- Expiration Date: June 25, 2022
Faculty: Jonathan Kay, MD
Introduction, disclosures |
A primer on biopharmaceuticals vs. small molecules • Characteristic differences in small molecules vs. biologics: Molecular-level differences, composition, method of preparation • Definitions: Biologic, biosimilar, and interchangeability The regulatory landscape • FDA regulation, action, and draft guidance • State laws • Future considerations |
A candid assessment of HCP knowledge gaps • Safety issues associated with formulations • Safety issues associated with switching from brand to biosimilar • Prescriber concerns • Potential impact on patient adherence • Counseling patients to use medication safely |
The present landscape of treatments for inflammatory conditions · Biosimilar agents approved for the following conditions and related literature review: Inflammatory bowel disease; rheumatological conditions; plaque psoriasis · Efficacy · Safety · Immunogenicity · Patient education: How to discuss biosimilar concepts and options with patients · Patient case(s) |
· Future considerations · Summary, conclusion, and recap |
By the end of the session the participant will be able to:
ACCME Activity #201861255
ACCREDITATION FOR THIS COURSE HAS EXPIRED. YOU MAY VIEW THE PROGRAM, BUT CME / CE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND NO CERTIFICATE WILL BE ISSUED.
As a provider of continuing medical education, it is the policy of ScientiaCME to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its educational activities. In accordance with this policy, faculty and educational planners must disclose any significant relationships with commercial interests whose products or devices may be mentioned in faculty presentations, and any relationships with the commercial supporter of the activity. The intent of this disclosure is to provide the intended audience with information on which they can make their own judgments. Additionally, in the event a conflict of interest (COI) does exist, it is the policy of ScientiaCME to ensure that the COI is resolved in order to ensure the integrity of the CME activity. For this CME activity, any COI has been resolved thru content review ScientiaCME.
Faculty Disclosure: Jonathan Kay, MD, Professor of Medicine and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences,Timothy S. and Elaine L. Peterson Chair in Rheumatology, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, has received compensation as a consultant and/or researcher for Alvotech Suisse AG; Arena Pharmaceuticals; Boehringer Ingelheim; Celltrion Healthcare; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Mylan; Novartis; Samsung Bioepis; Sandoz; UCB; Pfizer; Gilead.
Disclosures of Educational Planners: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, President of ScientiaCME, has no relevant financial disclosures.
Commercial Support Disclosure: This program is supported by educational grants from AMGEN.
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