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Infliximab use in the Netherlands: Uptake and characteristics of originator and biosimilars over time
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  • Jetty Overbeek,
  • Josephina Kuiper,
  • Marina Bakker,
  • Bart van den Bemt,
  • Ron Herings
Jetty Overbeek
PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Josephina Kuiper
PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research
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Marina Bakker
PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research
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Bart van den Bemt
Sint Maartenskliniek
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Ron Herings
PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research
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Abstract

Aims: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to provide an overview of the utilization of originator and biosimilar infliximab in the Netherlands. Methods: All infliximab dispensings were selected from the PHARMO In-patient Pharmacy Database from 2002-2018. Descriptive analyses were performed in order to characterise initiators and to describe switching patterns over time. Results: Overall, 3,840 patients with 61,274 infliximab dispensings were identified. 2,496 patients initiated an originator infliximab and 777 patients initiated a biosimilar infliximab. Overall, 57% of the patients was female and mean age was 43.2 years. Both originators and biosimilars were mostly prescribed by gastroenterologists, followed by internists and rheumatologists. After market authorization of the first biosimilar the proportion of new patients initiating the biosimilar increased from 39% in 2015 to 91% in 2018. Out of 704 patients eligible for switching 34% switched. Among switchers, the proportion of females was 60% and mean age at index was 45.1 years. Among non-switchers, 55% was female and mean age was 39.8 years. The median time to switch was 1.7 years and switchers were most frequently initiated on infliximab by a rheumatologist (42%), while non-switchers were most frequently initiated by a gastroenterologist (42%). Conclusions: The results of this large population-based cohort show an increase in biosimilar initiation in daily clinical practice. The number of switchers remains relatively low as non-medical switch is not encouraged in the Netherlands.
15 Feb 2021Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
16 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
16 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
04 Mar 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 May 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
14 Jun 20211st Revision Received
25 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
25 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
25 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Apr 2022Published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology volume 88 issue 4 on pages 1804-1810. 10.1111/bcp.15097