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Biologics and Biosimilars - Other Resources

Biologics and Biosimilars

Biologic drugs represent a major step forward in treating inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. These advanced medications are produced through complex processes involving living organisms, and are designed to interfere with the body's inflammatory response in various ways.

As original biologics come off patent, new medications called biosimilars (sometimes called subsequent entry biologics or SEBs) are now available in Canada, offering additional treatment options for Canadians with inflammatory arthritis.

For detailed information about particular medications, see our Arthritis Medication Guide.

The Arthritis Society’s position paper (pdf) addresses the place of biosimilars in the range of approved treatment options in Canada, to help inform patients, physicians, drug plan providers and regulators. For more on this and our other advocacy efforts, visit our Advocacy page.

Resources

Biologics (including biosimilars) are powerful but complex medications. These resources are designed to help you better understand these drugs, how they are different from other traditional drugs, how they work, and what you need to be aware of as you consider your treatment options.

Inflammatory Arthritis Medications Simplified

This video gives you a quick walk-through of the different categories of treatment typically used to address arthritis inflammation, how they are different, and gives particular attention to the role of biologics and biosimilars.

This video was made possible through educational grants from Merck and Pfizer.

Additional Resources

Position Paper: Access to Medication – Biologics and Biosimilars

The Arthritis Society’s position on biologic medications, the implications of biosimilars, and what people with inflammatory arthritis, physicians and policy makers need to know.

REPORT: The Gap Between Arthritis Health Care Providers and Patients

A series of reviews conducted by The Arthritis Society from 2016 to 2017 explored the perceived gap between people living with arthritis and their health care providers around developing a care plan that recognizes and addresses the full impact of living with arthritis.