Anti-TNF in Rheumatic Diseases: Inventory and Outlook

• Main Author: Syneos Health
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: European Medical Journal 2018-07-01
• Series: European Medical Journal Rheumatology
• Subjects: Rheumatic Diseases
• Online Access: https://www.emjreviews.com/rheumatology/symposium/anti-tnf-in-rheumatic-diseases-inventory-and-outlook/

With an increasing number of biosimilars receiving regulatory approval, the treatment landscape for rheumatic diseases is evolving. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are being presented with an expanding armamentarium of treatment options that can increase patient access to effective biologic therapies and offer an opportunity for healthcare systems to benefit from significant cost savings. In recent years, accumulation of clinical and real-world data with biosimilars has helped physicians gain confidence in the use of biosimilars in daily clinical practice. However, further information regarding best practices of how to effectively introduce biosimilar therapies into a busy clinic is still required. This symposium aimed to uncover various aspects of preparing for a switch, providing suggestions for clinical parameters and imaging tools to aid identification of patients who will respond optimally to biologic treatment. Additionally, HCP–patient communication was analysed from a psychosocial perspective, covering shared decision-making and how to appropriately address common concerns raised by patients. Finally, during this interactive session, country-specific perspectives on best practices for successful switching and the use of remote monitoring tools for patient follow-up were also discussed.