The switch from Remicade, seen here, to biosimilars, while expected to to save nearly $100-million over three years, has drawn the ire of some gastroenterologists and a prominent charity for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
"Requiring stable patients to switch from REMICADE to a biosimilar for no medical reason is of great concern and we believe that patients should have a voice in decisions regarding their treatment,” the Oct. 29 Alberta letter reads, in part. “Should you wish to voice your concerns regarding any policy decision in Alberta, please contact your Member of Legislature ”
However, the letter to B.C. patients did misrepresent the department’s position, Mr. Gagnon said – a transgression that Health Canada has rebuked Janssen for in the past. Remicade is part of a class of drugs known as biologics, which are complex medications manufactured in living organisms and injected or infused into patients.
Ms. Elliott said her government intends to consult widely before making any decisions about switching patients. As of the end of last year, biosimilars accounted for 98 per cent of the infliximab used in Norway, 92 per cent in Britain, 78 per cent in Sweden and 60 per cent in France, according to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, Canada’s drug-pricing regulator.However, Janssen is not alone in arguing that drug choices should be left to patients and their doctors.
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