Toronto: Ontario is expanding the use of biosimilar drug treatments for Ontarians by joining several other provinces and territories, a news release has said.
“Biosimilars are biologic drugs that enter the market after the patents or data protection rights for the originator biologic expire, have similar effectiveness, safety, and quality as the originator biologic, and have been approved for use in Canada by Health Canada,” said the news release.
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) recipients who are on an originator biologic will begin to transition to a Health Canada-approved biosimilar version of the drug at no cost, starting March 31, 2023.
“Ontario is joining other provinces and territories in the country by expanding the use of safe and effective biosimilar drugs,” Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health reported saying. “Patients will continue receiving the same high-quality treatment, while allowing the government to fund more new drug therapies, bring innovation to the health care system and continue its work to deliver better, connected patient care.”
It is required that Ontarians receiving coverage under the ODB program for Copaxone®, Enbrel®, Humalog®, Humira®, Lantus®, NovoRapid®, Remicade®, and Rituxan®, should transition to the biosimilar version by December 29, 2023.
Patients are encouraged to discuss a transition plan during the transition period between March 31 and December 29, 2023, with their healthcare provider through in-person, telephone, or virtual visits.
Patients in certain clinical circumstances on a case-by-case basis in consultation with their healthcare provider would be considered for exemptions.
To ensure a smooth and successful transition, the ministry will continue to work with partners, including physicians, pharmacists, and manufacturers ahead of the transition period starting on March 31, 2023.
“Biosimilars have been used in the European Union for more than 15 years and Ontario is the eighth Canadian jurisdiction to expand the use of biosimilar medications, following British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan,” a news release has said.
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