Perceptions and Challenges for Adoption of Generics and Biosimilars in Oncology

Abstract

Cancer care is increasingly becoming challenging in low resource settings. With the improved availability and access of generic medicines and biosimilars, cost-effective and affordable treatment can be offered to cancer patients. However, generics and biosimilars continue to be plagued with negative perceptions that impact the adoption of these products. Lack of understanding and negative perceptions regarding the quality, safety, effectiveness, integrity and stability, formulations, manufacturing, and costs of generics and biosimilars are more common in the developing countries. Their equivalence to innovator counterparts is often doubted. Collaborative efforts for enhanced utilization of generics and biosimilars in oncology should be made by physicians, healthcare professionals, manufacturers and sponsors of these drugs, and national healthcare systems. Steps to improve access and utilization of these drugs include procurement of high-quality generics and biosimilars, formulary management, supply chain integrity, continued safety surveillance, and educational programs to improve knowledge mitigate fears in healthcare professionals and patients. Objective and standard frameworks should be developed and used to identify the perceptions and factors impacting the adoption of generics and biosimilars. Outcomes in hematological malignancies can be improved with the adoption of generics and biosimilars, in particular in low-income countries where access and affordability of chemotherapy is challenging.