Expert Panel Calls for Improved Utilization of Biosimilar Anti-TNF-α Therapies in IBD to Enable Earlier, More Effective Treatment
An expert panel of gastroenterologists has issued a call to action for increased use of biosimilar anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapies in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), citing strong real-world evidence supporting earlier treatment initiation and improved long-term outcomes, particularly in Crohn’s disease.
Data show that earlier initiation of anti-TNF-α biologics can prevent irreversible bowel damage and improve disease control. However, high costs and limited access to originator biologics continue to delay treatment. Biosimilar anti-TNF-α agents, which provide equivalent therapeutic efficacy at reduced cost, remain underutilized despite more than a decade on the market.
“It is the opinion of this expert panel that better utilization of biosimilar anti-TNF-α agents is key for accelerating and optimizing early, high efficacy treatment in IBD,” the authors wrote. They emphasize that more widespread use of biosimilars supports the “top-down” treatment approach increasingly reflected in international guidelines for moderate-to-severe IBD.
Barriers to biosimilar use include clinician and patient hesitation, knowledge gaps, and formulary decisions outside of prescriber control. In regions such as Europe and North America, the panel identifies actionable opportunities at the health care provider (HCP) level to improve adoption.
“Relevant, accessible education—for patients and practitioners—must be prioritized,” the panel stated. Peer-to-peer sharing and multidisciplinary education initiatives are recommended to build confidence in biosimilars and support successful treatment discussions with patients.
The panel also notes that biosimilars may play an even greater role in regions with limited access to advanced therapies due to their cost advantages. Global disparities in access underscore the need for continued education and system-level adjustments to fully realize the value of biosimilars in IBD care.
Reference
Fiorino G, Ananthakrishnan A, Cohen RD, et al. Accelerating earlier access to anti-TNF-α agents with biosimilar medicines in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. J Clin Med. 2025;14(5):1561. doi:10.3390/jcm14051561
