The Issue

Retinal diseases, including Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy, cause irreversible vision loss in about 2 million Canadians.

The most advanced treatments available for many chronic diseases are biologic medicines. In Canada, as patents expire on biologics, there is a growing trend to switch treatments to the less costly alternative of biosimilar medicines, manufactured to be like a biologic.

Patients and health care professionals are generally concerned about the appropriate use of biosimilar medicines in rheumatology, gastroenterology, and other therapeutic areas, as evidence has shown that treatment protocols may not be interchangeable. As biosimilars are introduced to the field of ophthalmology, it is critical that patients, their families and health care professionals are aware of and inform the development of biosimilar policies.

Awareness of this emerging issue is the first step in overcoming uncertainty, inform the clinical consultation and ensuring biosimilar policies are patient-centered.

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