title: A survey of pharmacists' knowledge and views of biosimilars in Quebec and France.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to survey pharmacists' knowledge and views of biosimilars in Quebec and France.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online and anonymous survey was conducted. The survey was divided into two parts including: (1) ten multiple choice questions on main characteristics that distinguish biosimilars from generic drugs; (2) fifteen statements on biosimilars key issues (interchangeability, immunogenicity risk management…). Pharmacists were asked to indicate their level of agreement to these statements using a 5-item Likert scale. A descriptive statistical analysis of the results was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 229 pharmacists answered the survey (141 in Quebec and 88 in France). Pharmacists know the main differences between generic drugs and biosimilars. Viewpoints of pharmacists on biosimilars key issues are alike: nomenclature of biosimilars is essential to avoid confusions with the reference drug; the creation of a list of biosimilar and interchangeable biologic drugs is necessary; responsibilities for immunogenicity risk management should be shared between pharmacists and physicians. However, viewpoints vary regarding the patient informed consent for biologic drugs substitution.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge and views of pharmacists about biosimilars in Quebec and in France are alike. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about the particularities and key issues of biosimilars because they will play a key role for their introduction in clinical practice. They should be aware of the evolution of the legal framework of biosimilars to ensure their safe and optimal use.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Pharmacy department, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adé
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy department, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 75019 Paris, France; Faculty of pharmacy, Université Paris Descartes, 4, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France; Laboratoire Éducations et Pratiques de Santé EA 3412, Université de Bobigny, 99, avenue Jean-Baptiste-Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bourdon
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Pharmacy department, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, QC, Canada; Faculty of pharmacy, Université de Montréal, 2900, boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, H3T 1J4 Montréal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: jf.bussieres@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.
authors.forename: J-F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bussières
mesh_terms: D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals; D005602:France; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010595:Pharmacists; D011792:Quebec; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
keywords: Biosimilaire; Biosimilar; Pharmaceutical practice; Pratique pharmaceutique; Produit biologique de référence; Produit biologique ultérieur; Reference biologic drug; Subsequent entry biologic