University of Alberta study reveals legal and ethical challenges of switching patients to biosimilars

On 24 Feb 2020, Canadian News Agency Folio drew attention to a study released by the University of Alberta revealing doctors may face legal and ethical challenges when switching patients to biosimilars. The study suggests that despite a body of evidence supporting the safety of biosimilar products, doctors may be conflicted by their duty to act in the best interests of their patients. As a result, doctors may be required to disclose the safety, controversies and perspectives of those who oppose switches and the patient’s ability to access unfunded biologics. This comes as the Alberta Government plans to defund biologics on government-sponsored plans by July 1.