The Economic Impact of Originator-to-Biosimilar Non-medical Switching in the Real-World Setting: A Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction: To save costs to the healthcare system, forced non-medical switch (NMS) policies that cut drug coverage for originator biologics and fund only less expensive biosimilars are being implemented. However, costs related to the impact of NMS on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) must also be considered. This study aims to summarize the evidence on the economic impact of an originator-to-biosimilar NMS.

The Pediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada study of predictors of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection for infants born at 33 through 35 completed weeks of gestation.

Background: Infants born at 33 through 35 completed weeks of gestation (33-35GA) are at risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and palivizumab prophylaxis lowers hospitalizations for RSV infection by as much as 80%. The 33-35GA cohort comprises 3-5% of annual births; thus expert panels recommend limiting prophylaxis to situations in which frequency or health care impact of RSV infection is high. This study sought to identify independent risk factors for hospitalization for RSV infection.

Palivizumab prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus in Canada: utilization and outcomes.

Objective: To provide information on the use and outcomes of palivizumab prophylaxis in children at high risk of serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

Design: Observational, prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study.

Setting: Eighteen hospitals and pediatric clinics located in six provinces across Canada.