Attitudes of Australians with inflammatory arthritis to biologic therapy and biosimilars.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the knowledge and beliefs of Australian patients with inflammatory arthritis regarding biologic/targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) and biosimilars and their sources of information.

METHODS

Participants enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD) with RA, PsA and axial SpA were sent an online survey. They were asked about information sources for b/tsDMARDs and how positive or negative this information was. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to measure beliefs about b/tsDMARDs with scores ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Participants were asked about their knowledge of biosimilars and willingness to switch to biosimilar.

RESULTS

There was a response rate of 66% (994/1498; 67% female, median age 62 years). Participants currently taking b/tsDMARDs ( = 794) had a high b/tsDMARD-specific BMQ 'necessity' score {median 4.2 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.6-4.8]}, with a lower specific 'concerns' score [median 2.4 (IQR 2.0- 3.0)]. Participants consulted multiple information sources [median 3 (IQR 2-5)]. Positive sources were rheumatologists and educational websites and negative were chat rooms and social media. Only 18% were familiar with biosimilars, with half knowing of availability in Australia. Following a short paragraph describing biosimilars, 75% (744) of participants indicated they would consider switching if recommended by their rheumatologist, with nearly half identifying safety and efficacy of biosimilars as an important concern.

CONCLUSION

Australian patients have positive attitudes towards b/tsDMARDs overall, although little knowledge of biosimilars specifically. They have a high degree of trust in their rheumatologist regarding treatment decisions, even if they are unfamiliar with the medication recommended.