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Biosimilar infliximab holds up in the real world. A large real-world study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who switched from originator infliximab (Remicade) to a biosimilar had no difference in flares, disease activity, or treatment response compared to those who stayed on the original. The findings, presented at ACR Convergence 2026, offer reassurance to both patients and clinicians navigating formulary-mandated switches.
Biosimilar infliximab holds up in the real world for RA
Formulary-mandated switches to biosimilars are becoming more common, and a new large-scale real-world study is offering some much-needed reassurance. Researchers from UCSF analyzed data from the RISE registry and found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who switched from originator infliximab (Remicade) to a biosimilar showed no meaningful difference in outcomes compared to those who stayed on the original drug — across a full 12 months of follow-up.
The study assessed disease activity using two validated measures — the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and RAPID3 — and found consistent results across both. Younger patients and those with private insurance were more likely to make the switch.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: As biosimilar mandates expand, clinicians and patients often worry about losing efficacy. This real-world evidence directly addresses those concerns, showing equivalent effectiveness — a key signal that formulary switches can be made with confidence.
