Biosimilars Canada, a national association for the biosimilar medicines industry, is drawing attention to the recent implementation of a new biosimilars switching policy in Manitoba. 

“Patients covered by the Manitoba Pharmacare Program who use certain biologic drugs to treat such diseases as arthritis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis will have six months – between August 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025 – to switch to a biosimilar version of the medicine,” they explain. “With Manitoba’s announcement, all ten Canadian provinces have now adopted biosimilar transition initiatives.” 

In Manitoba’s case, the province says it is implementing the initiative as part of its drug management plans. Biologic drug examples include insulins, blood products, antibodies and growth hormones. “Biosimilars are the next versions of a biologic drug to be made and sold after the reference biologic’s patent expires,” the province states.  

Until the end of the transition period, the province says patients on biologic drugs with biosimilar alternatives will be eligible for coverage of both drugs to allow time for patients to speak with their healthcare providers and obtain a new prescription. “You will continue to be able to access coverage of your reference biologic medication if a suitable biosimilar format is not available,” they add. Limited exceptions may also be submitted for review on a case-by-case basis.

At the end of the transition period, the reference biologic drugs will no longer be covered by Pharmacare and other provincial drug plans.