Ep. 272 "Insights on the Use of Biosimilars for Psoriatic Disease"

Hear leading dermatologist Dr. E. James Song and patient advocate Ana Rinck share their perspectives on the use of biosimilars to manage psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The use of biosimilars is growing with 24 currently on the market and more on the way for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. What does this mean for you? Find out as we explore the use of biosimilars, the impact of interchangeability, what it’s like switching to a biosimilar, and what questions to ask your health care provider with leading dermatologist and NPF Medical Board member Dr. E. James Song, Director of Clinical Research at Frontier Dermatology Partners, and patient advocate Ana Rinck who currently uses a biosimilar to treat her psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  

The intent of this episode is to offer an update on the use of biosimilars and to hear the experience of those who have used biosimilars to manage psoriatic disease.

This episode is sponsored by Organon.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome to dermatologist Dr. E. James Song, Director of Clinical Research and Co-Chief Medical Officer, Frontier Dermatology, and patient advocate Ana Rinck, who presents her experience with using a biosimilar to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 

(0:58) Definition of what is a biosimilar in comparison to a biologic which is also referred to as the original bio-originator or reference product.  

(3:10) What biosimilars are available and how they are used.

(4:35) The term interchangeable and what it means for use of a biosimilar.

(5:46) Ana’s diagnosis to treatment options starting with use of topicals to ultimately use of a biosimilar. 

(7:57) Treatment discussion and choices when faced with diminishing effectiveness within a class of medications. Should a biosimilar be considered as an option?                                                                                                                                                               

(9:50) Questions to consider when there’s a change in treatment.

(10:57) FDA announcement to simplify the development process for biosimilars and what that means for the future use of biosimilars.

(13:55) What to consider when thinking of a biosimilar as a treatment option and where to find help when needed.    

(14:53) The hope and equity of access that biosimilars represent is here for the appropriate individual.

Key Takeaways:

·       A biosimilar is an FDA-approved biologic product that behaves and functions like a brand biologic treatment which is also called the reference product or bio-originator. There are no clinically meaningful differences between biosimilars and their reference product. 

·       The FDA has approved several biosimilars for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Some have been identified as interchangeable which means a biosimilar could be substituted for a reference product without a health care provider’s approval pending state legislative rules.   

·       Don’t be afraid to ask questions or access resources to assist with preparing for a medication change should that change be initiated either by yourself, your healthcare provider, or your health insurance company.   

Guest Bios:  

E. James Song, M.D. is a nationally recognized dermatologist and clinical researcher who is also a Clinical Instructor at the University of Washington. Dr Song is recognized as a key opinion leader in treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. He is actively involved in the development of new therapies for dermatologic disease and has firsthand experience with treatments before they come to market. Dr. Song has been published extensively in peer review journals and regularly participates in meetings both as a lecturer and attendee.  He is also a Medical Board member of the National Psoriasis Foundation. He believes that the best health outcomes come from shared decision making between the patient and physician. Dr. Song strives to help patients understand not only their condition, but all their treatment options.

 Ana Rinck is a patient advocate and volunteer for the National Psoriasis Foundation. She developed psoriasis in 2009 following symptoms she noticed for a few years which proved to be challenging to diagnose. She managed for many years on topicals and intralesional injections. In 2018 she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and started use of a biologic realizing she needed to protect her joints from further damage. She now uses a biosimilar to manage her psoriatic disease. Ana owns her own private consulting business and is an Operations and Project Manager. 

Resources:

-Learn more about biosimilars, interchangeability, and state substitution rules.  

-Armstrong A, Callis Duffin K, Feldman S, Glick B, Kalb R, Reddy S, Schwartzman S, Yamauchi P, Calabrese C, Cordoro K, Desai S, Gladman D, Han G, Hawkes JE, Hsu S, Kircik L, Koo J, Kreuger GG, Lebwohl M, Leonardi C, Lewitt GM, Liao W, Liu C, Markenson J, Merola JF, Orbai A, Prussick R, Richardson V, Soung J, Van Voorhees AS, Wallace E, Weinberg J, Wine Lee L, Harris J, Koons S, Howard L. Position Statement on the Use of Biosimilars for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board. 2023.

-If you need help finding a dermatologist near you contact the NPF’s Patient Navigation Center for assistance.