INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Perceptions of Biosimilars Among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Alqahtani

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0143-3045

Ahmed Al-jedai

Ahmed Al-jedai, Assistant Deputy Minister for Medical support Services| Deputyship of Therapeutic Affairs| Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia| Professor, Alfaisal University, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy| Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, Solid Organ Transplant|

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4730-9086

Albert Wertheimer

College of Pharmacy, Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v15i4.6371

Keywords: Biosimilars, intention, perceptions, interchangeability

---

Abstract

Biosimilars are safe and effective treatments for chronic diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) manages the quality and registration of biosimilars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, disparities among regulatory authorities, such as the absence of guidelines for biosimilars for rheumatologists, impact healthcare providers' perceptions, leading to hesitation in switching from reference products to biosimilars. The study aimed to predict Saudi healthcare professionals’ intentions toward biosimilars. Methods: A convenience sample of 87 participants (75 pharmacists and 12 physicians) was analyzed. The data were collected between December 2022 and February 2023. A logistic regression model was used to predict the intention toward biosimilars. Result: Years of practice among physicians significantly influenced their intention to prescribe biosimilars. Positive correlations were also observed between intentions towards prescription and beliefs regarding the safety and efficacy of biosimilars. Pharmacists' authority and knowledge of biosimilars correlated with their intention to substitute or dispense them. However, the logistic regression analysis indicated that behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were not significant predictors of the intention to prescribe or substitute biosimilars in either group. Conclusion: Highlighting the significance of continuing education and coordinating efforts in the international harmonization of biosimilar guidelines, as well as education for healthcare professionals, is required for addressing clinical concerns and enhancing confidence in biosimilars. 

---

Author Biographies

Ahmed Al-jedai, Ahmed Al-jedai, Assistant Deputy Minister for Medical support Services| Deputyship of Therapeutic Affairs| Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia| Professor, Alfaisal University, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy| Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, Solid Organ Transplant|

Ahmed Al-Jedai, Pharm.D., M.B.A., BCPS, FCCP, FAST, FASHP, BCTxP
Assistant Deputy Minister for Medical Support Services
Deputyship of Therapeutic Affairs
Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Professor, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy
Alfaisal University

Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, Solid Organ Transplant

Albert Wertheimer, College of Pharmacy, Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, USA.

Albert Wertheimer, College of Pharmacy, Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, USA

Dr. Albert Wertheimer has been active in sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy research and education for more than 30 years. He earned a pharmacy degree at the University of Buffalo, an M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his Ph.D. at Purdue University. In addition, he completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in the department of social medicine at St. Thomas” Hospital Medical School of the University of London. He has directed nearly 100 Ph.D. students and more than that number of master’s students.
He is the author or editor of 40 books, numerous book chapters and about 430 journal articles. He has lectured or consulted in about 75 countries, and he holds visiting professor appointments at universities in Mexico, Taiwan, Turkey, Slovenia and China. He performed pioneering work in the area of social and behavioral sciences in pharmacy and in more recent years has conducted research in pharmaco-economics, outcomes research, and health policy analysis.
Prior to his appointment at NSU, he has been a professor at Temple University, dean of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, a researcher at Merck and Company, a vice president of First Health, Inc., a Pharmacy Benefit Manager and a professor and director of graduate studies at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Wertheimer has received many awards and recognitions including fellowships from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP). He is Scheele Laureate and an honorary member of several professional societies. He has been a study section member/grant reviewer for the US NIH and for AHRQ.
Current research interests include pharmaceutical counterfeiting, off label prescribing and cost:benefit studies.