The Government of British Columbia announced that patients taking originator biologic drugs will be transitioned by their clinicians to a biosimilar biologic drug. The BC Pharmacare announcement is consistent with Health Canada’s recommendation that such a decision should be made by the treating physician in consultation with the patient and taking into account available clinical evidence and any policies of the relevant jurisdiction. For details on the expansion of the use of biosimilars visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019HLTH0080-001072 [10].

For more information about biosimilars, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/what-we-cover/drug-coverage/biosimilars-initiative-patients [11].