How Similar Are Biosimilars to Biologics? Part I

New biosimilars are coming to market and there is a lot of confusion among patients about what this will mean for their treatment plan. We called on patient advocates Cristina Montoya and Lene Andersen to hear directly about their experience on a biologic and biosimilar, respectively.

In this first of a two-part episode, Cristina discusses starting a biosimilar and Lene shares about her experience on a biologic. We learn about the types of questions and concerns that go into treatment decisions, the nerves of starting a new treatment, and how support programs can help.

"You know, let's give it a try,” says Cristina, when sharing with us what she said to her rheumatologist about trying her first biosimilar, “and I felt better knowing that I've been having this conversation for a long time.”

Among the highlights in this episode:

03:26- Zoe and Conner kick off the episode by introducing special guests Lene Anderson and Cristina Montoya

04:27- Zoe asks Cristina and Lene about the first time they heard about biosimilars

06:01- Cristina tells Zoe about the change in her mindset about biosimilars

07:33- Conner and Zoe clarify and differentiate the terms biologics and biosimilars

07:52- Cristina walks us through the process of getting prescribed a biosimilar

10:59- Lene and Cristina discuss the use of patient support programs

12:26- Zoe and Conner pause to reflect on the conversation so far and to give three helpful tips

15:43- Cristina shares that despite initial hurdles, delivery of her biosimilars has been on schedule

16:43- Cristina shares the questions and concerns she had before starting biosimilars

19:04- Lene shares her questions and concerns about biosimilars

Contact Our Hosts:

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF: cmertens@ghlf.org

We’d love to hear what you think. Send your comments to BreakingDownBiosimilars@GHLF.org

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