The retrospective evaluation of efficacy and safety data after switching from originator rituximab to biosimilar rituximab (CT-P10) in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-center experience

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2024 May;28(10):3513-3522. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202405_36286.

Abstract

Objective: In our study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety data of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) after switching to biosimilar rituximab (RTX).

Patients and methods: Twenty-two patients who switched to RTX were included in the study. Efficacy data were analyzed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, and safety data were analyzed using the frequency of side effects.

Results: The mean treatment duration of originator RTX was 35.6 ± 23.0 months, and the median treatment duration of biosimilar RTX was 17 months. The SLEDAI-2K score, approximately three months after the first dose of biosimilar RTX, was significantly lower (p = 0.027). A statistically significant difference was found between the SLEDAI-2K score assessed at the follow-up visit three months after the last dose of originator RTX and the SLEDAI-2K score obtained approximately three months after the first dose of biosimilar RTX (p = 0.011) and the calculated median SLEDAI-2K score was significantly lower than the SLEDAI-2K score assessed after administration of originator RTX. The side effect frequency that developed during the treatment of originator RTX was 15.3 per 100 patient-years. The most common side effect was infection, which was 15.3 per 100 patient-years. The most frequent infection was urinary tract infection. The side effect frequency during treatment of biosimilar RTX was 39 per 100 patient-years, and the most frequent infection was pneumonia.

Conclusions: In our study, SLEDAI-2K scores demonstrated that no efficacy loss was experienced after switching to CT-P10 molecule, which is a biosimilar RTX. It was observed that switching to biosimilar RTX did not decrease treatment efficacy in the patient group diagnosed with SLE and biosimilar RTX was found to be safe.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / administration & dosage
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / adverse effects
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Substitution
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rituximab* / administration & dosage
  • Rituximab* / adverse effects
  • Rituximab* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Rituximab
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
  • CT-P10
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived