Seeing is Believing: All You Need to Know About Biosimilars

Seeing is Believing: All You Need to Know About Biosimilars is an online educational module designed for retina specialists, general ophthalmologists, fellows, residents, and medical students. This course provides a comprehensive overview of biosimilars, their regulatory approval, clinical applications, and real-world impact on ophthalmic practice.

Participants will explore the key differences between biosimilars and reference biologics, review clinical evidence supporting their use, and examine regulatory considerations, including regional variations in Canada. The module will also address practical aspects of prescribing biosimilars, patient counseling, and pharmacovigilance.

By the end of this program, participants should be able to:

• Formulate strategies to overcome barriers to biosimilar adoption, balancing cost-effectiveness, patient-centered care, and clinical efficacy.
• Explain the fundamental concepts of biosimilars, including their development, approval pathways, and how they differ from reference biologics.
• Assess the current and emerging landscape of ophthalmic biosimilars in Canada, including economic implications, clinical data, and safety considerations.
• Apply best practices for pharmacovigilance when integrating biosimilars into routine ophthalmic care.
• Evaluate the potential impact of regulatory and reimbursement policies on the adoption of biosimilars, including opportunities and challenges.

This module is an Accredited Self-Assessment Activity (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). You may claim a maximum of 1 HOUR (credits are automatically calculated).

We would like to take a moment to thank our scientific planning committee who championed the creation of this module. You can access their disclosures HERE.

This activity was developed with the financial support of Apotex, Biocon Biologics and Biogen. Financial support was provided in accordance with the National Standard for Support for Accredited CPD Activities.