Author: Ashish Sharma
Co-authors: Frank G. Holz, Anat Loewenstein, Ramin Tadayoni, Francesco Bandello, Baruch D. Kuppermann, Carl Regillo
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the awareness of biosimilar intravitreal anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents among retina specialists practicing in the United States (US) and Europe.Setting: Major ophthalmology centers of US, Europe and UK
Methods: A 16-question online survey was created in English and distributed via email, Whatsapp and LinkedIn between Dec 01, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022. A total of 112 respondents (retinal physicians) from the United States (US) and Europe participated. The survey examined a range of topics that were important to better understand the awareness of retinal physicians regarding biosimilars.
Results: The majority of the physicians (56.3%) were familiar with anti-VEGF biosimilars. A significant number of physicians expressed a need for more information (18.75%) and real world data (25%) before switching to a biosimilar. About one half of the physicians were concerned about biosimilar safety (50%), efficacy (58.9 %), immunogenicity (50%), and their efficacy with extrapolated indications (67.8 %). About 50% of physicians were mistaken in their impression that ONS-5010 (Lytenava, Outlook Therapeutics) is a biosimilar of bevacizumabRetinal physicians from the US were less inclined to shift from off-label bevacizumab to biosimilar ranibizumab or on-label bevacizumab (if approved) compared to physicians from Europe.
Conclusions: The Bio-USER survey revealed that while the majority of retinal physicians in the US and Europe have knowledge regarding anti-VEGF biosimilars, most felt that additional information regarding the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity was needed when making clinical decisions regarding their use. Retinal physicians from US are more comfortable in continuing to use off-label bevacizumab compared to physicians from Europe.
Financial Disclosure: Ashish Sharma is a consultant for Intas, Novartis, Bayer, Allergan, Lupin, Reliance
