The European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) has launched a biosimilars e-module, or toolkit [1]. This aims to teach patients about the value of biosimilars.
The ECPC is the largest European cancer patients’ association, with over 400 members. It covers all 28 Member States, and many other European and non-European countries, and represents those affected by all types of cancers. The coalition has developed an online biosimilars toolkit to help inform patients so that they are able to take an active role in the decision-making concerning their treatment.
This patient toolkit aims to provide patients with a comprehensive resource on biosimilar medicines. It contains six interactive modules that provide key information and practical advice to support making informed decisions about treatment. These are available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. The modules are:
- What is a biosimilar?
- What is the evidence that biosimilars are effective medicines?
- How are biosimilars approved in Europe and who decides on the availability?
- What impact do biosimilars have on treatment decisions?
- What is my role as a patient in the decision-making process?
- If I am already being treated, should I switch to a biosimilar?
The coalition encourages the dissemination of this e-learning tool. It has been developed by ecancer, a free online platform set up so that everyone shares and benefits from new discoveries and developments related to cancer. In addition, the ECPC acknowledges the support of Pfizer and Sandoz.
The International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), which comprises over 200 patient groups and represents the interests of patients worldwide, had published an Information and Advocacy Toolkit on Biological and Biosimilar Medicines for Patients’ Organizations in October 2014 [1]; Merck US launched an online resource intended to be used as an educational platform for patients, caregivers and the healthcare community in October 2016 [2].
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References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. IAPO releases toolkit for biologicals and biosimilars [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 Nov 27]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/IAPO-releases-toolkit-for-biologicals-and-biosimilars
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Merck launches biosimilars educational resource for patients [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 Nov 27]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/Merck-launches-biosimilars-educational-resource-for-patients
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