Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, because of their complexity, their production is expensive contributing to their high price. As the patent protection of these therapies has expired in several countries, biosimilars have been developed to reduce the healthcare costs. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of biosimilars in IBD.
A PubMed literature search was performed using the following terms until May 2016: 'biosimilars', 'CT-P13', 'infliximab', 'Crohn's disease', 'ulcerative colitis', 'inflammatory bowel diseases', 'efficacy', 'safety', 'immunogenicity'. Additionally, abstracts from international meetings were also reviewed.
A total of eleven studies in IBD patients provided real-world evidence on the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity profile of biosimilars in IBD patients. Based on the available evidence, CT-P13 is efficacious and well tolerated in IBD patients in a real-life setting. The vast majority of studies only included IBD patients who had never received biological therapies. Information regarding the interchangeability between CT-P13 and its originator is currently being investigated in the NOR-SWITCH trial. Otherwise, the immunogenicity profile of CT-P13 seems to be similar to the originator.
The infliximab biosimilar seems to be efficacious, safe and with a similar immunogenicity profile as the originator in IBD. Large prospective post-marketing studies are needed to assess the long-term safety profile of CT-P13. The use of infliximab biosimilars may lead to major healthcare cost savings.