New IBD audit report published on biological drugs in IBD

The IBD Audit Report also found that biological treatments are being adopted earlier in the treatment of patients with IBD and frequency of surgery has reduced from 36% of adults in 2011 to 15% in 2016. Patients are also reporting improvement in their health and quality of life. 

These findings include the newly introduced biosimilar versions of infliximab (brand names: Inflectra and Remsima), which work in the same way as the previously existing treatment (brand name: Remicade).

The report was published by the Royal College of Physicians as part of the IBD Audit Programme and focused on patients started on biological treatment.

The national clinical audit of biological therapies in IBD found that a fifth of patients are currently receiving infliximab biosimilars and that, if the therapy was extended to all patients in the audit, it would equate to an annual saving to the NHS of £3 million. The potential overall saving to the NHS could be much higher if patients already established on these therapies also switched to biosimilar substitutes. 

The report highlights that not all patients are pre-screened for infections before undergoing biological therapy to reduce the changes of an adverse reaction. It also cautions against the overuse of steroids in the treatment of IBD and stresses the importance of systematic patient monitoring afterwards to check and record outcomes. 

Crohn’s and Colitis UK believes that people with IBD should be fully informed about the drugs they are being prescribed and their views taken into account in any discussions about treatment. The findings of this report are reassuring, but it is important that prescriptions are written by brand name to enable drug safety to be effectively monitored over time and in wider populations. We do not believe that people should be switched from existing treatments to alternatives without prior discussion with the patient, especially where they are stable on their current medication.

We would like to see the savings from introducing biosimilars used to improve IBD services, for example, by employing more Specialist IBD Nurses who play a vital role in managing these expensive medications effectively and reducing hospital admissions. Currently, 6 out of 10 IBD services do not meet the standard for the number of IBD Nurses necessary to deliver the right level of service and support. Specialist IBD Nurses improve standards of care through the expertise and support they provide for people with IBD. 

• Read our biological drugs information sheet

If you are concerned about anything to do with your treatment, you should discuss this with your IBD team. We also produce a range of information sheets about the drugs used in IBD, that provide specific information about each drug, including side effects and dosage. View and download all of our publications for free. 

• Read the IBD audit report
• Support our IBD nurse campaign