Trending News Today: Physicians Cite Confidence as Main Barrier to Biosimilar Adoption

In a survey about using biosimilars, physicians ranked their own confidence levels in biosimilars as a primary barrier in widespread adoption of the drugs, The Center for Biosimilars reported. According to the article, the AmerisourceBergen survey was conducted among 105 oncology, nephrology, and rheumatology providers. Overall, approximately half of physicians expressed a “complete understanding” of biosimilars, with only 43% expressing confidence regarding switching current patients to biosimilars and 74% indicating that physician confidence is the main barrier to widespread adoption, the article reported.

For patients with HIV, stress levels at the time of diagnosis may affect psychosocial status later on, The American Journal of Managed Care reported. According to the article, the study included a consecutive sample of 410 newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLWH) who completed both a baseline and 1-year follow-up survey. Overall, higher stress levels at baseline predicted a lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at 1 year, while baseline depression status and social support did not predict 1-year HRQOL scores, the article reported.

A new study showed that add-on dupilumab can benefit patients with both early- and later-onset uncontrolled asthma, MD Magazine reported. According to the article, the subgroup assessment of the LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST study examined dupilumab 200 mg or 300 mg as an add-on therapy taken every 2 weeks versus placebo. Overall, the findings demonstrated an associated reduction of severe exacerbations and improved lung function in patients 40 years of age and younger and patients older than 40 years, the article reported.