B.C. releases latest numbers on biosimilar switches.
On the surface the number of patients switching to a biosimilar biologic during phase two of the B.C. government’s Biosimilars Initiative, launched in May 2019, appears low; however, a closer look suggests it is too early to draw conclusions.
Provincial Biosimilar Drug update
Alberta Biosimilar Initiative
On December 12, 2019, the Alberta government introduced the launch of the Alberta Biosimilar Initiative. This program will require patients using several originator biologic drugs to switch to a biosimilar, and patients using a non-biologic complex drug (NBCD) to switch to its subsequent entry version before July 1, 2020 in order to maintain coverage.
READ MORE… Provincial Biosimilar Drug Update
BC Mandatory Switching to Biosimilar
British Columbia has become the first public payer to implement a mandatory switching policy that is expected to dramatically increase the use of biosimilars in the province.
READ MORE… BC sets precedent with mandatory switching to Biosimilar
Prescription Drug Update
On December 1, 2017 the Canadian Federal Ministry of Health proposed changes to the drug pricing regulations in an effort to protect Canadians from current and future excessive drug costs. Believe it or not, Canadians are spending more per capita on drugs than any other country in the world except for the US!
READ MORE…Prescription Drugs Update from HRS – February 28, 2018
