Situation in British Columbia
In 2018, Pharmacare approved coverage of the first biosimilar insulin glargine (BASAGLAR®). At this time, less was known in Canada regarding interchangeability between the insulin reference biologic (e.g LANTUS®) and the biosimilar products. The approach was to deem non-interchangeable in the hospital setting until further information was reviewed provincially.
In December 2021, Pharmacare announced the change in coverage to the new rapid acting biosimilar insulins, insulin aspart (TRURAPI®) and insulin lispro (ADMELOG®), with a six month transition period in the community. Since there is more information regarding switching biosimilar insulins and the new approach regarding enoxaparin provincially, the BC P&T and DRS will be reviewing the biosimilar insulin approach; however, this will not likely occur until April 2022.
In the interim, several other health authorities in B.C. are considering the rapid-acting biosimilar insulin products as therapeutically equivalent and interchangeable to the reference biologics. This means that patients admitted to hospital will receive whichever brand the hospital carries, regardless of what brand they are receiving in community (originator brand will be kept in NH for time being).