In a press release published on July 15, 2020, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Oncology Research Project in collaboration with Pfizer announced an open RFP for projects that support innovative approaches to improve the processes related to appropriate biosimilar adoption in oncology.
The intent of this RFP is to encourage organizations to submit initial Letters of Intent (LOIs) describing concepts that develop and validate ongoing approaches to improve the safe, effective, and efficient adoption of biosimilars in oncology.
LOIs are welcome from academic or community centers, patient advocacy groups, or health care professional organizations based in the United States, with the exception of small, physician-owned group practices.
"The creation of a sustainable and competitive marketplace for biologics and biosimilars—in keeping with FDA guidance—can increase treatment options while generating cancer care cost savings," said Wui-Jin Koh, MD, Chief Medical Officer, NCCN, in the press release.
"A recent RAND corporation study found that if biosimilars became 50 percent of the market share, it could mean savings of 150 billion dollars in drug spending between 2017 and 2026. With this RFP, we're looking for impactful approaches to objectively measure and validate models for supporting and increasing the safe and proper use of biosimilars in oncology," he continued.
The listed suggested areas of study include: quality of care and best practices around the appropriate use of biosimilars; quality of care and best practices around the perceptions of biosimilars; quality/process improvement projects that impact efficiency and resource utilization; educational tools for providers, nurses, pharmacists, administrative units; pharmacy and therapeutic committee processes; pharmacy practices that improve the safety or use of biosimilars; electronic medical records and integration of biosimilars; tools impacting prescribing behaviors; clinical pathway and consensus guidelines development; challenges related to payer mandates/insurance issues; optimization and integration of processes; value/quality/cost for patients, clinicians and institutions.
Source: BioSpace. NCCN Explores Adoption of Biosimilars in Oncology in Collaboration with Pfizer. July 15, 2020. https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/nccn-explores-adoption-of-biosimilars-in-oncology-in-collaboration-with-pfizer/. Accessed July 29, 2020.
