Survey shows skepticism towards generics and biosimilars among healthcare professionals in Vienna

A recent study by the Medical University of Vienna sheds light on the perception and knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding generics and biosimilars. A survey showed that there is still widespread skepticism and large gaps in knowledge about these medicines. The results were published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. In recent decades, generics and biosimilars have gained enormously in importance due to rising therapy costs. However, despite scientifically proven equivalent safety and efficacy, international studies show that healthcare professionals are rather reluctant to use these preparations. In a recent survey of healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) from various healthcare facilities in Vienna, perceptions and knowledge of generics and biosimilars were examined. The results show that only 63 percent of the 593 participants were convinced of the clinical equivalence of generic or biosimilar preparations to the original drug.