Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: For Patients and Healthcare Providers

The Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: For Patients and Health Care Providers Professional Certificate aims to provide health care professionals and patients with advanced knowledge and skills on the topic of biosimilar biologics (or “biosimilars”). Biosimilars are highly similar to an existing originator biologic that is off patent. Biosimilars are a rapidly growing area in pharmaceutical development, and the implementation of biosimilars requires an evidence-informed approach. As awareness and use of biosimilars increases globally, this course will provide information and guidance to support the effective and safe use of biosimilars. The course will focus on enhancing knowledge and skills to affect change in attitude and behaviour of health care providers and patients/caregivers related to biosimilars. The course will utilize a modular approach to provide content that is accessible and informative to all learners, including pharmacists, physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, students and young professionals, industry, and policy-makers.

The two courses offered as part of this professional certificate have received approval from the following accreditation bodies in Canada for continuing education credits:
- The Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy has accredited this program for 10 CEUs.
- The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Section 1; The American Medical Association - AMA PRA Category 1; and The European Union for Medical Specialists (EUMS) ECMEC.
- The Canadian Nursing Association (10 hours)

This course may be eligible for continuing education credits through professional accreditation bodies.

The course content is developed by leading researchers and clinicians from across Canada, who encompass different professional disciplines and areas of expertise. This course is one-of-a-kind to promote understanding and skill development for patients and clinicians beginning or already using a biosimilar.

Each of the courses in this certificate program will provide the learner with deeper knowledge of and opportunities to develop skills in the following knowledge areas:

• what biosimilars are;
• how they are produced;
• where they are being used (indications) and implications for clinical practice;
• understanding side effects and medication safety issues,
• improving the quality of care for individuals using a biosimilar;
• improving perceptions of use of biosimilars;
• the regulatory approval process; and
• interchangeability and switching

Overall the program aims to improve patient-provider communication and perceptions of biosimilar use by providing a consistent foundation among health care providers for communicating with patients about biosimilar treatment.

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Foundations of Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: for Patients and Caregivers

Developed by leading researchers and clinicians from across Canada, this course will enhance knowledge and skills for patients who are using, or beginning to use, an originator or biosimilar biologic medicine.

Course 2: Advanced Knowledge and Skills of Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: For Health Care Providers

Developed by leading researchers and clinicians from across Canada, this course will enhance knowledge and skills for clinicians who are using or beginning to use a biosimilar or biologic medicine in their professional practice setting.