Formulary Management of Biologics in Plaque Psoriasis

Key Messages

• Unlike the new-generation biologics (interleukin [IL]-17 and IL-23 inhibitors), all old-generation biologics (anti–tumour necrosis factor [TNF] and anti–IL-12/23 biologics) for plaque psoriasis (PsO) have now lost their exclusivity status and most were launched prior to the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance. In addition, biosimilar versions of the old-generation biologics have had limited uptake and delayed launches in Canada spanning multiple years, suggesting a significant opportunity cost paid for these drugs after loss of exclusivity.
• Modern clinical evidence, which is more rigorous than the evidence supporting the old-generation drugs and includes head-to-head trials comparing IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors with anti-TNF and anti–IL-12/23 biologics, have demonstrated greater efficacy with the new-generation biologics.
• In Canada, despite access to newer and more efficacious treatments, physicians continue to prescribe old-generation drugs to patients newly initiating a biologic for PsO (25% of patients in 2020), and the new-generation biologics are also less costly on an average per patient basis at list price compared with the most utilized old-generation biologic (ustekinumab).
• Public payers have spent $28 million (at list price) on biologics initiated for PsO beyond their loss of exclusivity from 2016 to 2020 ($600 million for biologics initiated for any indication), and that figure is likely much higher today. Notably, some IL-17 biologics will lose data protection within the next 2 years, which will further increase this opportunity cost.
• It is prudent that decision-makers review the place in therapy of biologics for PsO. Based on the findings of this report, the policy recommendation is to assess the clinical and economic value of old-generation biologics in the context of current evidence standards in PsO. The promotion of the use of new-generation biologics should be considered by payers to support the appropriate use of biologics in PsO, which would improve patient outcomes with budget savings or neutrality (assuming no confidential pricing agreements with the old-generation biologics) versus the status quo.