Kathy Oubre, MS, chief operating officer of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, discusses cost-saving implications of biosimilars in oncology, as well as several barriers that continue to impede their use.
Kathy Oubre, MS, is the chief operating officer of Pontchartrain Cancer Center.
Transcript
There are several challenges to biosimilar integration in cancer care, particularly intervention from payers in allowing access to providers. How has this issue fared in recent years and what other barriers persist?
Payers continue to insert their influence in the physician-patient relationship by step edits and formulary restrictions. For example, biosimilars are often not preferred over reference products by the majority of US health care plans.
In addition, biosimilars are also not even on the formulary of most of our state Medicaids, and physician preference has been slow to adoption. A 2019 survey found that the majority of oncology products still are not used with biosimilars or they're used only in supportive care or some physicians prefer not to switch patients during a launch.
On a bright note, though, the recent Bernstein analysis that I mentioned earlier shows that these attitudes are changing. And even with the most modest uptake and challenges around biosimilar adoption, a recent IQVIA report shows that biosimilar-related savings will range from $49 to $140 billion over the next 5 years.
How has the pandemic impacted biosimilar adoption in cancer care delivery?
I think that answer has 2 parts. Similar to most drug launches during COVID-19, it's just been really difficult to keep up with new biosimilar drug launches during this time due to lack of access with our pharma partners.
However, as many people continue to have their hours cut or lose their jobs and just be faced with financial insecurities during this time, the cost savings of biosimilars have helped many people be able to continue and afford their treatments.
High-Impact Trials at ACC.25 Signal Shift in Chronic Disease Treatment
April 4th 2025Experts highlight groundbreaking research presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25), which emphasized a shift toward more personalized, evidence-based treatment strategies.
Read More
Navigating Sport-Related Neurospine Injuries, Surgery, and Managed Care
February 25th 2025On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Arthur L. Jenkins III, MD, FACS, CEO of Jenkins NeuroSpine, to explore the intersection of advanced surgical care for sport-related neurospine injuries and managed care systems.
Listen
American Advocacy and Action for Minority Health in 2025
April 4th 2025Accessing equitable health care is an ongoing struggle in the US for minority communities due to historical pretexts with new setbacks surfacing as recent administrative changes emerge, highlighting the urgent need for continued advocacy during National Minority Health Month.
Read More
The Push for Fair Pricing and Reform in Pharmacy Benefit Management
April 3rd 2025Amid growing legislative pressures and industry debates, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are exploring new strategies to enhance transparency, reduce patient costs, and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.
Read More