Tracking the efficacy, safety and value to patients and the healthcare system of both originator biologics and their biosimilar biologics is important. Patients and their physicians rely on this "real-world data" when they are making treatment decisions.

There are many, varied definitions of “real-world data” (RWD). Essentially, RWD is a measurement of the efficacy of a medication after it receives approval by Health Canada, when prescribed and used in a practical, real-life setting that go beyond what is normally collected in pre-approval clinical trials and studies. RWD comes from various sources and includes patient data, data from clinicians, hospital data, data from payers and social data. Through its use, alongside traditional data sources (such as clinical trials), RWD has the potential to provide new insights into medicines and their effects in the context of different larger patient populations.

In the context of biosimilars, tracking the efficacy, safety and value to patients and the healthcare system of both originators and their biosimilars is important. Patients and their physicians rely on this “real-world data” when they are discussing and making treatment decisions.

When you are having a conversation about biosimilars as a treatment option with your health care professional or public or private drug plan, ask them about these important real-world data discussion points:

• What has been your experience with prescribing biosimilars?
• Are you satisfied they are a safe and effective treatment option for me? Why?
• Does the biosimilar you are recommending to me have a patient support program?
• Where can I find reliable, easy-to-read information on biosimilars?