Pangaea Express - Results of NOR-SWITCH

The results of the much anticipated NOR-SWITCH study were released at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week and show that patients can safely be switched from the originator infliximab Remicade® to the biosimilar infliximab (Remsima®).

The Norwegian government sponsored this 52 week study in 481 patients who were on stable treatment with Remicade for at least 6 months for crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis or chronic plaque psoriasis. The biosimilar infliximab was shown to be non-inferior to the reference product, Remicade in patients who had been switched. This data along with other real world studies also presented at the UEG Week, show biosimilar infliximab is comparable to the originator infliximab with respect to efficacy and safety.

While many provinces have adjusted their formularies this year to reimburse only Inflectra in place of Remicade, for new starts, this study will likely spark a new wave of formulary changes to include switches from Remicade as well. The SEB ball is rolling…. And more SEBs are to come.

For more information, please contact Marla Weingarten, Consultant, The Pangaea Group