Saskatchewan launches biosimilars initiative to bring down drug costs

A new initiative from the Saskatchewan government will replace biologic drugs used by approximately 24,000 people in the province with lower-cost versions of the same medication.

On Thursday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the launch of its biosimilars initiative. Biosimilars are drugs made after patent protection expires for an original biologic drug. They’re made to the same standards as the original, the government said. They contain the same active ingredients and pass the same regulatory criteria, but are less expensive.

Ten medications currently covered by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan will be included in the program, the government said, with more to come as additional biosimilar drugs become available.

“This initiative will ensure access to high-quality, essential medications for Saskatchewan residents remains sustainable into the future,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in a release.

“The savings will be reinvested into the Saskatchewan Drug Plan to support patient access to public drug coverage and new drug benefits.”

Biologic drugs — which are used to treat ailments such as diabetes, psoriasis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease — are not cheap. According to the province, biologic drugs account for 35.7 per cent of Saskatchewan’s drug budget, despite representing only 3.1 per cent of the total drug claims.

The biosimilars program is expected to save the government $20 million by May 1 of next year.

About 24,000 patients are expected to transition to a biosimilar version of their biologic drug by April 30, the government said. Exemptions will be considered for anyone who cannot use a biosimilar for medical reasons, the government noted.

In a statement, Dr. John Esdaile, director emeritus of Arthritis Research Canada, said biosimilars are safe and effective replacements.

“Having successfully gone through the transition process with patients in B.C. starting in 2019, patients and providers should feel confident about the transitioning to biosimilars in Saskatchewan,” Esdaile said.