With recent funding changes to adalimumab, prescribers are being urged to change patients from Humira (the reference biological) to Amgevita (a biosimilar). We’ve collated this list of questions and answers, with links to other useful resources, to help inform your conversations with colleagues and patients.

This short video explores what patients think about the move to Amgevita. We spoke to a group of seven New Zealanders living with arthritis to find out how they feel about changing from the biological reference medicine, Humira, to the new biosimilar medicine, Amgevita. 

Looking for up-to-date information on gout or biological medicines? You can find it in our resource hubs. We’ve linked resources from multiple providers into one place so it’s easy for you to find what you need - articles, datasheets, videos, podcasts, and more.

This recorded webinar covers the introduction of the adalimumab biosimilar Amgevita in New Zealand, and what it means for primary care. Specialist Dr David Liew shares his experiences of changing patients from biologics to biosimilars in Australia, and Andrea Copeland provides some local context.

Adalimumab is used to treat a range of dermatological, rheumatological, gastrointestinal and ophthalmologic conditions. From 1 March, Amgevita (an adalimumab biosimilar) is funded under Special Authority. From this date, patients starting treatment with adalimumab will receive Amgevita rather than the reference product, Humira. 

Looking for up-to-date information on biological medicines? You can find it here!

We’ve linked resources from multiple providers into one place so it’s easy for you to find what you need.

This article summarises the 2022 changes regarding adalimumab funding and access in New Zealand. It also provides some background and resources to foster confidence in biosimilars, and references real-world data from studies of patients changing from Humira to Amgevita.

Biological medicines have markedly changed prognoses for many conditions such as cancers, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.  

As biologics’ patents expire, biosimilars – highly similar versions of approved biologic brands – will be competitively marketed. This will lead to cost savings, increased access and treatment options, and improved patient outcomes.

Read the HAH Bulletin to find out more.

Biological medicines are already used in Aotearoa New Zealand and with more being developed internationally, it’s important that health professionals feel comfortable prescribing, dispensing, and supporting patients to use them.

We’ve highlighted five key aspects of these medicines in an article and a series of short animated videos. After completing each section, you can take a short quiz to test your learning.