Introduction: The Biosimilars Forum\nconducted a survey through an independent\norganization from November 20, 2015 to\nJanuary 4, 2016 in order to assess current\nlevels of awareness, knowledge, and\nperceptions of biosimilars among US specialty\nphysicians who already prescribe biologics. The\nsurvey was intended to provide a baseline level\nof knowledge about biosimilars and will be\nrepeated in 2ââ?¬â??3 years in order to monitor trends\nover time.\nMethods: A 19-question survey was created by\nthe Biosimilars Forum and was administered by\nan independent third party.\nResults: Responses were obtained from 1201 US\nphysicians across specialties that are high\nprescribers of biologics, including\ndermatologists, gastroenterologists, hematologistoncologists,\nmedical oncologists, nephrologists,\nand rheumatologists.\nConclusions: The results of this survey\nhighlight a significant need for evidence-based\neducation about biosimilars for physicians\nacross specialties. Five major knowledge gaps\nwere identified: defining biologics, biosimilars,\nand biosimilarity; understanding the approval\nprocess and the use of ââ?¬Ë?ââ?¬Ë?totality of evidenceââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬â?¢ to evaluate biosimilars; understanding that the\nsafety and immunogenicity of a biosimilar are\ncomparable to the originator biologic;\nunderstanding the rationale for extrapolation\nof indications; and defining interchangeability\nand the related rules regarding pharmacy-level\nsubstitution.
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