The Top 5 Most-Read Conference Articles of 2024

The top 5 biosimilar conference articles in 2024 highlight significant strides and ongoing challenges in the biosimilar landscape. Experts emphasized the need for strategies in market trend analysis, high-quality manufacturing, and patient education to ensure the sustainability of the biosimilar market in the US. Studies presented at Digestive Disease Week showed that switching between originator and biosimilar infliximab for with inflammatory bowel disease did not have an impact on clinical outcomes. Additionally, at a gastroenterology conference, Celltrion and Samsung Bioepis presented new data demonstrating the efficacy and safety of their biosimilars for treating Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, and more.

Here are the top 5 biosimilar conference articles in 2024.

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5. Dr Sophia Humphreys Provides Calls to Action to Ensure Biosimilar Market Sustainability

Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, emphasized the need for strategies focused on market trend analysis, high-quality manufacturing, and patient education to ensure the success and sustainability of the US biosimilar market. During her session at Festival of Biologics USA, she highlighted key challenges such as high development costs, rebate structures, and provider confidence, while also advocating for policy changes like the CMS update to improve access to affordable biosimilars. Humphreys called on stakeholders to collaborate on payer policies, patient support, and physician education to drive biosimilar adoption.

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4. Posters Demonstrate Switching Safety Between Originator, Biosimilar Infliximab in IBD

Two studies presented at Digestive Disease Week showed that switching patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from originator infliximab (Remicade) to an infliximab biosimilar (Inflectra) did not affect clinical outcomes. The first study, focused on pediatric patients, found no significant changes in disease activity or laboratory markers after switching to the biosimilar Inflectra. The second study, which examined patients who switched between multiple infliximab biosimilars, revealed no increased risk of IBD flare, although multiple switches were associated with a higher infection risk compared with a single biosimilar switch. These findings suggested that switching to infliximab biosimilars is safe and effective for patients with IBD.

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3. AAD Posters Examine Clinical Effects of Switching to Ustekinumab, Adalimumab Biosimilars

Two studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting explored the effects of switching from reference ustekinumab and adalimumab to their biosimilar versions in patients with psoriasis. The first study, involving ustekinumab, confirmed that switching to the SB17 biosimilar was safe and effective, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes or safety compared to the originator product. The second study, focusing on adalimumab, found that many patients experienced an increase in adverse events after switching to the biosimilar Imraldi, with a significant proportion switching back to the originator due to relapse of psoriasis and injection site pain.

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2. Celltrion, Samsung Bioepis Unveil New Biosimilar Data in CD, UC at ECCO 2024

At the Congress of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), Celltrion presented long-term data from its LIBERTY trials, showing the efficacy and safety of its subcutaneous infliximab product, Zymfentra, for treating Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with sustained effectiveness and no new safety concerns. Samsung Bioepis also shared positive results for its ustekinumab biosimilar, SB17, demonstrating high similarity to the reference product, Stelara, in both analytical assessments and clinical outcomes, reinforcing its potential for treating immunological conditions.

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1. AON Saves Over $243 Million With High Biosimilar Adoption

At Festival of Biologics USA, Melody Chang of the American Oncology Network (AON) highlighted that high biosimilar uptake saved the organization over $243 million between 2020 and 2023. Despite this success, she discussed ongoing challenges affecting biosimilar adoption, including payer restrictions, patient knowledge gaps, and provider education needs. Chang emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges through policy reforms and greater collaboration to ensure the long-term sustainability of biosimilar therapies.

To read the full article, click here.