Pharmacist biosimilar survey reveals knowledge gaps

Biosimilars are of increasing significance to pharmacy practice, with the potential to improve patient access to biologic therapies and help reduce overall health care costs.

This web-based survey assessed pharmacists' understanding of biosimilars, including interchangeability.

WebMD LLC fielded a survey including true or false and Likert-type questions to the Medscape pharmacist and certified pharmacy technician (CPT) panel in March 2021. Those practicing in community, home care or infusion, hospital or health system, managed care, outpatient, or specialty pharmacy settings and currently providing prescription services, or formulary or benefit management related to biologic products were included, to a quota of 500 responses. Results were analyzed descriptively.

Data are reported for 507 of 992 respondents (265 did not meet eligibility criteria, 220 responded after the survey closed), including 498 pharmacists and 9 CPTs. These respondents worked in a community setting (66%), outpatient or ambulatory or other setting (16%), hospital or health system setting (14%), or managed care (5%). Overall, 87% and 91% of respondents knew that the biosimilar had equivalent efficacy and safety, respectively, to its reference product. Only 20% understood that a pharmacist can substitute a Food and Drug Administration-approved interchangeable without approval of the prescriber. However, 53% responded that they felt it was appropriate for a pharmacist to dispense an interchangeable in place of its reference product without authorization from the prescriber if consistent with state law; a numerically smaller proportion of community pharmacists understood this concept than the other groups (50% vs. 54%-61%). Only 11% of respondents knew that no biosimilars were designated as interchangeable at the time of the survey, with a numerically greater proportion of managed care pharmacists showing awareness than other groups. Slightly more than 50% of respondents felt that they were moderately or very comfortable in responding to patients' biosimilar questions.

Gaps remain in pharmacists' understanding and comfort with key concepts about biosimilar products, including interchangeability, suggesting the need for further education.