Improving Access for Patients

The introduction of biosimilars – which are almost identical versions of ‘originator’ biologics whose patents have expired – is changing the prescribing landscape in axSpA. It is helping reduce costs to patients and healthcare systems and, if those cost savings are reinvested in axSpA services, can also lead to overall patient care being improved.

In June, Mike Mandelbaum attended a forum in Munich that brought together over 30 patient advocates from around the world to discuss key policy and access issues about biosimilars and generic medicine. Hosted by Sandoz, Making Access Happen provided an opportunity to learn more about generics and biosimilar medicines, exploring issues about product development, supply, pricing, intellectual property topics and their impact on patient access. Mike said afterwards: “This was an interesting and useful meeting, and it was also great to make new connections with patient advocates from every part of the world.”

You can read more about this event and the consensus statement that came out of the meeting at www.sandoz.com/makingaccesshappen.

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