BIOSIMILARS

An entirely new class of medical treatments is entering the U.S. market:

biosimilars. Biosimilars are alternative versions of already-approved biologic
products. But does that answer all the questions health care stakeholders
have about biosimilars? APCO Insight interviewed opinion leaders and
health care providers to explore how much they know about biosimilars and
identify questions that remain.

THE FACTS ABOUT BIOSIMILARS

Most believe biosimilars are, indeed, similar to their original biologic medicines. However,
compared to last year, doubt has grown among both Opinion Leaders and Health Care Providers (HCPs)
as the rate of those who say biosimilars are different or in-between has increased.
To the best of your understanding, how similar or different do you consider
a biosimilar to the original biologic medicine?

Opinion Leaders

Health Care Providers

2014

60%

Similar
Different

8%

Different

32%

In-between

71%

Similar

In-between

8%
21%

2015
57%

Similar
Different

14%

Different

29%

In-between

61%

Similar

2%
36%

In-between

Opinion Leader and HCP understanding of details about biosimilars is strong.

For each statement, please indicate how well it matches your understanding of the
difference between biosimilars and biologics.
Opinion Leaders
Due to the complex structure of biologic medicines and
the processes involved in production, biosimilars are
determined to be similar to an original biologic in terms
of its structural characteristics, safety and efficacy profile.

Health Care Providers

50%

25%

Unlike generic medicines where the active

ingredients are identical, biosimilars are similar to
but not identical copies of the originator biologic.
Biologics made by different manufacturers differ
from the original product and from each other.

17%

23%

45%

24%

50%

46%

30%

34%

46%

18%

Somewhat matches my understanding

Somewhat matches my understanding

Completely matches my understanding

Completely matches my understanding

BIOSIMILARS IN THE U.S. HEALTH CARE MARKET

Despite foundational awareness of what biosimilars are, there is need for reinforcement
and continued education around critical issues. Support for a variety of proposals is strong,
particularly around biosimilar pre- and post-market safety testing and substitution.
Given this information, to what extent do you support or oppose each of the following?

Percent Support

Opinion Leaders

Health Care Providers

Notification to patients if a biosimilar has been

substituted for a biologic medicine

85%

82%

Thorough clinical trial testing prior to approval to

ensure safety and efficacy

83%

80%

Extensive post-market surveillance to ensure

continued safety and efficacy

83%

77%

Physician approval to substitute a biosimilar for a

biologic medicine

73%

75%

Different names for biosimilar versions of biologics

68%

55%

Positive sentiment surrounds biosimilar entry to the U.S. market. Most important to
HCPs and Opinion Leaders is prescribers autonomy in decisions about biosimilars.
A call for further education and support services is also expected.
However, considerable segments express ambivalence,
another signal that only a surface-level awareness of biosimilars exists.
Here are some things people have been saying about biosimilars entering the U.S. market.
For each one, please indicate how much you agree or disagree.
Opinion Leaders
Biosimilars can help reduce costs for
patients and the health care system
without compromising patient safety.

Biosimilars are biologics that are highly similar

to approved products in terms of quality;
safety and efficacy; and purity and potency.

Treatment decisions should be made on the

basis of medical need and be focused on the
best outcomes for patients and patient care,
whether the product is a biologic or biosimilar.

Offering best-in-class patient and physician

support services and education will be an
important factor in the acceptance of
biosimilars for both physicians and patients.

Only experienced pharma companies with a

proven track record of producing biologics will
be successful in bringing biosimilars to market.

21%

Health Care Providers

71%

8%

61%

30%
9%

25%

68%

64%

32%
5%

7%

80%

84%
11%

20%

5%

0%
78%

75%

17%

5%

2%

27%

23%

48%

64%

9%

39%
14%

Agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Disagree

APCO Insight interviewed 287 Health Care Opinion Leaders (n=200) and Health Care Providers
(n=87) between October 9-22, 2015. Interviews were conducted online or over the telephone. Health
Care Opinion Leaders were defined as the top 10 percent most active and engaged segment of the
general public. Health Care Providers included generalists, specialists, nurses and pharmacists.
For more information, please visit rorindicator.com or contact Chrystine Zacherau at
czacherau@apcoworldwide.com