Clinical Efficacy of Biosimilar Switch of Adalimumab for Management of Uveitis

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2024 May;32(4):442-446. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2172591. Epub 2023 Feb 21.

Abstract

Background: Adalimumab has demonstrated efficacy in non-infectious uveitis. With the introduction of biosimilar agents such as Amgevita, we aimed to quantify efficacy and tolerability compared to Humira in a multi-centre UK cohort.

Methods: Patients identified from tertiary uveitis clinics in 3 centres, after institution-mandated switching was implemented.

Results: Data collected for 102 patients, aged 2-75 years, with 185 active eyes. Following switch, rates of uveitis flare were not significantly different (13 events before, 21 after, p = .132). Rates of elevated intraocular pressure were decreased (32 before, 25 afterwards, p = .006) and dosing of oral and intra-ocular steroids was stable. Twenty-four patients (24%) requested to return to Humira, commonly due to pain from injection or technical difficulty with the device.

Conclusion: Amgevita is safe and effective for inflammatory uveitis with non-inferiority to Humira. Significant numbers of patients requested to switch back due to side effects including injection site reactions.

Keywords: Adalimumab; TNF-alpha; biosimilar; clinical efficacy; uveitis.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab* / therapeutic use
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Substitution
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uveitis* / diagnosis
  • Uveitis* / drug therapy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adalimumab
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents