Docs may be uninformed about biosimilars
The Biosimilars Forum intends to conduct a similar survey in 2 to 3 years with the same design in order to monitor trends in the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of biosimilars over time. 
1. A biosimilar medicine is a biologic that is highly similar to an FDA-approved biological medicine, known as an originator biologic. A biosimilar must (1) be highly similar to the originator biologic, notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components, and (2) have no clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness compared to the originator biologic. Biosimilars Forum. (2016, March 28). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from: https://www.biosimilarsforum.org/sites/default/files/uploads/biosimilars_faqs_032816opt_0.pdf
2. Extrapolation is the process by which a biosimilar may be approved for one or more indications for which its reference biological product is licensed but for which there was no head-to-head clinical comparison. This approval is based on the extrapolation of the totality of data obtained with the biosimilar molecule in direct comparison to the originator biologic. Every indication for which extrapolation is sought must be scientifically justified. Biosimilars Forum. (2016, March 28). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from: https://www.biosimilarsforum.org/sites/default/files/uploads/biosimilars_faqs_032816opt_0.pdf
3. An interchangeable biologic is a biosimilar that has been demonstrated to produce the same clinical result as its originator biologic in any given patient. In addition, for a product that is administered multiple times to an individual, the risk in terms of safety or diminished efficacy of alternating between use of the interchangeable biologic and its originator biologic is not greater than the risk of using the originator biologic alone. Designation of interchangeability requires additional supporting evidence, which will be further defined by the FDA. An interchangeable biologic may be substituted by a pharmacist for the originator biologic or vice-versa without the intervention of the healthcare professional who wrote the prescription. State laws govern the substitution process, and communication to the healthcare provider who wrote the prescription may be required after the product is dispensed. Biosimilars Forum. (2016, March 28). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from: https://www.biosimilarsforum.org/sites/default/files/uploads/biosimilars_faqs_032816opt_0.pdf
