The New Brunswick Department of Health launched a Biosimilars Initiative in 2021 which involves switching patients from originator biologic drugs to their biosimilar versions. It is a result of an evidence-informed strategy to better optimize our public resources, get the best value for new treatments and services, and improve access to medications for patients.
Biologics represent some of the largest drug expenditures for the New Brunswick Drug Plans. Increasing the use of biosimilars provides savings that will be used to cover new drugs and contribute to the sustainability of the public drug plans.
Patients who use certain originator biologics must switch to a biosimilar brand to maintain their coverage under the New Brunswick Drug Plans. The drugs included in the Biosimilars Initiative and the date by which patients must switch to a biosimilar brand are in the table below. Additional originator biologics will be added when their biosimilar brands are listed as benefits.