They are often used to treat diseases such as cancer, immune system disorders and diabetes.Ī biosimilar biologic drug is a highly similar but generally less expensive version of an originator biologic drug. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ( GPA or Wegener’s Granulomatosis) Microscopic Polyangiitis ( MPA)īiologics are medicines made from substances found in living things. Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ( RRMS) Polyarticular juvenile Idiopathic arthritis Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Transition for other indications funded on a case-by-case basis which may not appear on the below list also applies) (Recipients must transition to the biosimilar version beforeīiosimilars Funded Under ODB Program Effective March 31, 2023 Your specialist, doctor or nurse practitioner will need to provide you with a new prescription for the biosimilar version of the drug that you will be using.įor ODB program recipients taking Remicade ® or Rituxan ®, as part of the biosimilar transition, you may have to go to a new infusion centre to receive your infliximab or rituximab infusion.įor ODB program recipients who are self-administering their biologic product at home but who are affiliated with a patient support program, you may need to be enrolled in a new patient support program associated with the biosimilar you will be using.Īs new biosimilars are approved by Health Canada, and enter the Canadian market, additional biologic drugs may be included as part of this policy change.Īsk your specialist, doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist for more information about how the change will affect you. If you have a medical reason why you can’t switch to the biosimilar, your specialist, doctor or nurse practitioner may request an exemption for you that will be considered on a case-by-case basis through the Exceptional Access Program. If you’re taking Copaxone ® 1, Enbrel ®, Humalog ®, Humira ®, Lantus ®, NovoRapid ®, Remicade ®, or Rituxan ® you may need to switch to the biosimilar drug to get coverage through the ODB program. 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. Numerous studies show little to no difference in safety and efficacy when patients move to a biosimilar. ODB program recipients will be required to switch to a biosimilar version before December 29, 2023, in order to maintain ODB program coverage for their biologic, unless an exception applies.īiosimilar drugs are proven to be as safe and effective as the alternative higher priced originator biologic drugs and are able to treat many of the same conditions. Starting on March 31, 2023, 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.Ī transition period will occur between Maand Decemto allow ODB program recipients to switch from an originator biologic to a biosimilar version in order to maintain ODB program coverage for their biologic. On December 20, 2022, Ontario expanded the use of biosimilar drug treatments for Ontarians.
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