Improved Patient Outcomes with Biosimilar Biologic Therapies for Inflammatory Arthritis

In a recent study conducted in Spain, researchers found that patients with inflammatory arthritis experienced better treatment retention rates with biosimilar versions of etanercept and adalimumab compared to the originator products. The study, led by María Paz Martínez-Vidal, MD, PhD, from Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante, revealed significant differences in discontinuation rates between biosimilars and originators over a 2 to 3-year follow-up period.

The analysis, which focused on data from the BIOBADASER registry, included 4,162 patients who were prescribed either etanercept or adalimumab between 2016 and 2023. The results showed that patients were more likely to continue with biosimilar therapies, with a 33.4% discontinuation rate for biosimilars compared to 53.3% for originator products. This translated to an adjusted hazard ratio in favor of biosimilars, indicating better treatment retention with these alternative options.

Interestingly, the study did not find any significant differences in the most common medical reasons for discontinuation between biosimilars and originators. Adverse effects and lack of efficacy were not more common with either type of drug, suggesting that patient preferences or other unmeasured factors may have influenced treatment decisions.

The findings of this study have important implications for clinical practice, particularly when deciding on the use of biosimilar therapies for inflammatory arthritis. Despite some limitations, including the reliance on administrative records and potential confounders, the results provide valuable insights into the real-world use of these biologic treatments.

The use of biosimilar biologic therapies for inflammatory arthritis has been associated with improved treatment retention rates compared to originator products. While the exact reasons for this difference remain unclear, the study highlights the potential benefits of considering biosimilars as a viable treatment option for patients with inflammatory arthritis. Further research in this area is warranted to better understand the factors influencing patient outcomes and treatment decisions.