Grant: Rapid Funding for DSEN Targeted Research

“Biologic drugs” are relatively new and expensive drugs; biosimilar medicines are similar to the original biologic drugs but generally cost less. If patients receive biosimilar drugs rather than the originator biologics, healthcare systems may be able to save money. Those savings can be used for other health care needs to benefit more Canadians and improve overall health in Canada. However, we do not have detailed information on the safety and effectiveness of these biosimilar drugs. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of biosimilar drugs to the originator biologic drugs. We will study patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), across Canada, who are on these drugs. Our primary focus is on patients without a history of biologic drug use but we will also study patients switching to a biosimilar drug from an originator biologic drug. We will measure how long patients stay on treatment, if they require new treatment (e.g.: steroids), if their disease control improves, and the occurrence of side effects, such as infection, that could be related to these drugs.