The Importance of Countering Biosimilar Disparagement and Misinformation

Abstract

Biosimilar use is limited in some healthcare systems because biosimilars are not well understood by many healthcare professionals and patients. The knowledge gap is exacerbated by disparagement of biosimilars and dissemination of misinformation, whether intentional or otherwise. There are several different types of disparagement and misinformation directed towards biosimilars as a class, including statements about biosimilar science or policy that are factually incorrect; misleading information, where the information is correct, but is provided out of context; incomplete information, where only partial or a limited set of facts are provided; creation of a false narrative, especially in scientific and medical literature, that provides a set of references to support incorrect conclusions; and negative message framing of factual statements to create a negative perception. Disparagement and misinformation about biosimilars can be countered by educational efforts, appropriate oversight, and regulatory activities with the option of enforcement action by governmental agencies, if warranted. Balanced educational materials about biosimilars should be made easily accessible. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patient advocacy groups should work together to provide patients with consistent, positive messages about the value of biosimilars.

European Stakeholder Learnings Regarding Biosimilars: Part I—Improving Biosimilar Understanding and Adoption

“…The knowledge gap and misunderstanding among HCPs and patients has likely been amplified by the (in some cases intentional) dissemination of misinformation on biosimilars. Biosimilar misinformation exists in many forms, ranging from presenting factually incorrect information to negatively framing factually correct statements [ 64 ]. As shown in this study, industry involvement (from both originator and biosimilar manufacturers) in biosimilar stakeholder-related research is common (about one third of biosimilar stakeholder studies were either industry sponsored or conducted by industry).…”

Informing Patients about Biosimilar Medicines: The Role of European Patient Associations

“…It is rather recommended to provide patients with the opportunity to contact their physicians or nurse when any unexpected side effect would occur [60]. Moreover, a positive communication about biosimilars should be adopted for information towards HCPs as well, thereby supporting overall acceptance of biosimilars in clinical practice [9,50].…”

“…Adoption into clinical practice might be hampered by limited healthcare provider (HCP) and patient acceptance of biosimilars. Often, besides other factors such as the absence of tangible incentives, a lack of acceptance among HCPs and patients comes down to shortcomings in knowledge and understanding about biosimilars [7][8][9]. Patients' access to information and education about biosimilar medicines is therefore considered as one of the key elements for a sustainable market [10].…”

“…Educating patients about biosimilars is crucial to provide clarity and prevent misinformation [9,20,24]. Patients need access to understandable and evidence-based information that allows them to make informed decisions about their treatment.…”

“…Regulatory authorities, medical scientific associations, and patient organizations have therefore been active in developing and disseminating educational material on biosimilars for European patients during past years. However, information and educational material are widespread, requiring a mapping of the available material [8,9]. Mapping the available information or material for patients makes it possible to have an overview of what material exists, and to verify the information found for its scientific correctness.…”