The substantial discontinuation rate of CT-P13 after open-label transitioning might be explained by the awareness of clinicians and patients of the transition. This awareness might induce negative expectations about transitioning to a biosimilar, resulting in negative symptoms during treatment (nocebo effect) and/or incorrect causal attributions.
"As a result, communication between clinicians and patients seems to be the determining factor of the success of transitioning to a biosimilar in daily practice", said lead author Dr. Lieke Tweehuysen, of Sint Maartenskliniek, in the Netherlands.
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Arthritis & Rheumatology