This session features a panel of health care leaders who will share their experiences and insights into the implementation, use and management of biosimilars.

The pharmacy team at Baptist Cancer Center (BCC) has been successful in optimizing biosimilar use across 17 outpatient oncology offices. In fiscal year 2021, the BCC pharmacy surpassed its goal by increasing overall biosimilar utilization from 58% to 79% — saving $9 million in drug purchase expense. BCC also successfully converted first-to-market biosimilars to newer, lower-priced products.

Biologics are one of the highest expenses at Sharp HealthCare, representing over 40% of pharmaceutical spend. With few opportunities to optimize savings in the treatment of chronic diseases and cancers, the Infusion Center and Pharmacy Workgroup formed to expand the use of biosimilars. The group was successful due to multidisciplinary collaboration; provider education; and standardized, efficient processes. Biosimilar use is above 90%, resulting in a $6 million cost savings in two years.

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin has successfully addressed challenges around the use of biosimilars, such as prescriber and patient misperceptions, variability in insurance coverage, and revenue cycle complexities — all of which make biosimilar adoption more difficult to achieve. Leaders will describe a novel strategy to address these challenges by expediting formulary inclusion of biosimilars and maximizing their value for patients and the health system. Interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership support and pharmacy revenue assessment are important for initiative success.

Join this session to learn how to optimize the use of biosimilars at your organization.