Why Is There Low Utilization of Biosimilars in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients by Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Providers?

Aim To assess knowledge, practice patterns and attitudes toward the use of biosimilars by Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Background APPs provide care in a variety of healthcare settings including medical specialties. In Gastroenterology, they are an integral part of providing care to a complex group of patients with IBD. There has been an increase in options of medical therapies for treating IBD. These include small molecules, biologics, and biosimilars. Adoption of biosimilars for treatment of IBD patients by gastroenterologists in the United States compared to Europe has been slow for several reasons. There is lack of data on their use by APPs who provide frontline IBD clinical care in the United States. Methods Questionnaire-based survey of APPs attending Gastroenterology conferences with a focus on IBD. Results APPs in gastroenterology do not routinely consider the use of biosimilars in their practice. Conclusions There is low utilization of biosimilars in treating IBD patients by APPs. In addition, there are significant concerns about risk of side effects as well as perceived lack of APP targeted educational resources.