Program Description
Though biologic agents are an integral part of pharmacotherapy in retinal diseases, these agents are more expensive than conventional therapies. Increased adoption of biosimilars across ophthalmologic conditions has the potential to reduce health care costs associated with the use of biologic products, yet there is evidence of slow adoption of biosimilars. This is due in part to a lack of awareness about biosimilars and the evidence for their safety and efficacy. Understanding the factors that affect uptake is critically important to recognize the benefits of biosimilars, and managed care professionals are in a unique position to address cost and efficacy concerns and how they impact utilization management strategies for patients. As the number of biosimilars on the market expands in the setting of ophthalmology, pharmacists have critical roles in increasing awareness about their safety and efficacy, educating about the benefits of biosimilars, and designing policies for their appropriate use in clinical care. This program will inform managed care professionals on the current safety and efficacy of approved and emerging anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor biosimilars in ophthalmology.
Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: September 14, 2023
Expiration date: November 14, 2023
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Examine the impact of biosimilars on patient outcomes and health care costs in the United States and the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of biosimilars in clinical practice.
- Analyze the clinical and economic implications of incorporating currently approved biosimilars into ophthalmology practice through safety and efficacy data.
- Identify strategies to overcome barriers to biosimilar adoption and use through effective communication to both prescribers and patients.
Steven Kheloussi, PharmD, MBA, FAMCP
Manager, Clinical Pharmacy Strategies
Highmark Inc
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-23-311-L01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 14, 2023.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Faculty
Steven Kheloussi, PharmD, MBA, FAMCP
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Karleen Melody, PharmD; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green
An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Information:
www.pharmacytimes.org/terms