The Emerging Treatment Landscape of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Role of Innovator Biologics and Biosimilars

Despite the fact that the treatment armamentarium for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is growing, unmet medical needs remain. These needs are driven, at least in part, by restricted access to biologics, which means that patients who would benefit from these agents will not receive them. This symposium explored approaches to improve IBD care, evaluating both the potential of novel therapies and the role of optimised treatment using the treat-to-target concept and careful evaluation of use of the right drug at the right time. The reality for clinicians is that selecting the best treatment needs to take into account the best medical option, patient preferences, and cost, which is one of the main barriers limiting access to biologic treatment. In this regard, biosimilars could serve the patient community by facilitating increased access, including use in early intervention to avoid disease progression. Education around biosimilars is essential to ensure patient acceptance of these agents and maximise the opportunity that they provide.