Public Advisory: Newfoundland and Labrador Expanding Safe Use of Biosimilars

  • Health and Community Services

March 24, 2023

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be expanding the use of biosimilar drug treatments offered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. Under this initiative, to maintain coverage, beneficiaries currently using one of the originator biologics of  Copaxone®, Enbrel®, Humalog®, Humira®, Lantus®, Lovenox®, NovoRapid®, Remicade® and Rituxan® will be transitioned to a safe, effective and less costly biosimilar version on or before March 31, 2024.

 Biologics undergo an extensive Health Canada approval process to ensure they are safe and work the same as the originator version. Tens of thousands of Canadians have successfully transitioned to biosimilars through similar provincial initiatives, and biosimilars have been effectively used by thousands of Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program beneficiaries since 2016. Program beneficiaries and health care providers can be assured there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of effectiveness and safety when transitioning to a biosimilar.

Program beneficiaries who have been identified as using one or more of these originator biologics will receive a letter which contains additional information, as well as outlining the next steps needed to transition to a biosimilar. The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program will continue to work with partners, including health professionals and manufacturers, to ensure a successful transition.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program Biosimilars Initiative provides an evidence-based opportunity to get the best value from medications funded under the program, without negatively affecting patient health outcomes. This will allow the program to invest in new and innovative drug therapies while continuing to expand access to existing drug treatments.

For information on the Biosimilars Initiative, please visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program website. If you prefer to speak to a Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program representative, please call the Pharmaceutical Services Division at 709-729-6507 or 1-888-222-0533.

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2023 03 24 11:25 am