Foundations of Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: for Patients and Caregivers from edX

- This course aims to provide knowledge and skills for patients on the topic of biosimilars, a class of biologic drugs or medical therapies that are highly similar to an existing originator medication that is off patent.

- Biosimilars represent a rapidly growing area in pharmaceutical development, treatment options, and patient care that require an evidence-informed implementation approach.

- As awareness and use of biosimilars increases globally, this course will provide information and guidance to support patient understanding of the effective and safe use of biosimilars in clinical settings.

- The course will focus on enhancing knowledge and skills for patients and caregivers related to biosimilars.

- The course will utilize a modular approach to provide content that is accessible and informative to all learners, and provide an introduction to biosimilar medications including what they are, regulatory processes, access, and discussing biosimilars with your healthcare provider.

What you'll learn

Improve knowledge of biologic and biosimilar medicines
Understand the evidence for the most appropriate and cost-effective use of biosimilars for different medical conditions
Address misconceptions regarding use of biosimilars
Identify the benefits and use of biosimilars in clinical practice across provinces and territories in Canada

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 - Understanding Biologics and Biosimilars

Learning Objectives: 1. Describe biologic medications, including how they are made and how they are used in clinical practice

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores biosimilars, which is standard in healthcare

Taught by Kathy Vu, who are recognized for their work in biosimilars

Develops knowledge and skills for patients and caregivers on biosimilars

Provides information and guidance to support patient understanding

Examines evidence-informed implementation approach

Reviews summary

Biologics for patients & caregivers

According to learners, this course provides a clear and accessible understanding of biologics and biosimilars, specifically tailored for patients and caregivers. Many found it incredibly informative and praised its ability to break down complex medical concepts into easy-to-understand modules. Students particularly valued the practical information on regulatory processes, patient access programs, and gained confidence in discussing treatment options with healthcare providers. The course is noted for successfully addressing common misconceptions. While overwhelmingly positive, a few learners with some prior knowledge felt certain sections were basic, suggesting its primary strength lies in serving those new to the topic.

Effectively clarifies common misunderstandings about biosimilars.

"Before, I had many misconceptions about biosimilars, and this really helped clear them up."

"This course addresses a real need for understandable information about these important medications."

"The explanations of what biosimilars are... were very reassuring."

Specifically tailored for patients and their caregivers.

"It's pitched perfectly for patients and caregivers, avoiding overly technical language where possible."

"I'm a caregiver for my mother, and we've been confused about biosimilars. This course provided such clarity."

"For its stated purpose, it's excellent."

Equips patients/caregivers to navigate treatment discussions.

"I now feel so much more confident discussing my treatment options with my doctor. The section on regulatory approval in Canada was particularly useful."

"It empowered me to ask better questions during my appointments."

"I learned so much about the approval process and patient support programs. It's a must-take for anyone dealing with biologics."

Complex medical information is simplified for lay learners.

"This course broke down complex information into easy-to-understand modules. I now feel so much more confident discussing my treatment options with my doctor."

"The explanations of what biosimilars are, their safety, and how they compare to originator drugs were very reassuring. It's truly designed for non-medical people."

"Found this course incredibly informative... The instructors did a great job explaining the regulatory process."

Some learners find content basic; others appreciate the pace.

"The information was accurate, but sometimes felt a bit basic for me. I already had some understanding of medical terms."

"While it was clear, sometimes I wished for a bit more detail on specific conditions or scenarios."

"I can see how it would be very beneficial for a complete beginner, even if it felt basic to me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: for Patients and Caregivers with these activities:

Review fundamentals of pharmacology

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This refresher will enhance your understanding of the course material by reviewing concepts from pharmacology.

Browse courses on Pharmacology

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Review your notes or a textbook on basic pharmacology principles.
Complete practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Originator and Biosimilar Biologics: for Patients and Caregivers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Science Liaison

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) serve as a critical bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. They provide scientific and medical expertise to healthcare professionals, and they play a key role in the development and implementation of new treatments. This course on biosimilars can help MSLs stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this rapidly growing field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively communicate with healthcare providers about biosimilars.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that pharmaceutical products meet all regulatory requirements. They work with government agencies to ensure that products are safe and effective, and they develop and implement strategies to comply with regulatory requirements. This course on biosimilars can help Regulatory Affairs Specialists stay up-to-date on the latest regulatory developments in this field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively navigate the regulatory process.

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Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) manage clinical trials, ensuring that they are conducted safely and ethically. They work with investigators, study coordinators, and other members of the research team to ensure that the trial is conducted according to protocol. This course on biosimilars can help CRAs develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage clinical trials involving biosimilars.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications, provide patient counseling, and manage drug therapy. They play a key role in ensuring that patients receive the right medication at the right dose and at the right time. This course on biosimilars can help Pharmacists stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively counsel patients about biosimilars.

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Nurse

Nurses provide patient care, including administering medications, monitoring patients, and providing emotional support. They play a key role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. This course on biosimilars can help Nurses develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for patients who are taking biosimilars.

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Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates represent the interests of patients in the healthcare system. They work to ensure that patients have access to quality care, and they provide support and guidance to patients and their families. This course on biosimilars can help Patient Advocates stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively advocate for patients who are taking biosimilars.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create and edit medical content, including scientific papers, clinical trial reports, and patient education materials. They play a key role in communicating medical information to a variety of audiences. This course on biosimilars can help Medical Writers stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively write about biosimilars.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including biosimilars. They help healthcare organizations develop and implement strategies to improve patient care, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This course on biosimilars can help Healthcare Consultants stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively advise healthcare organizations on biosimilars.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians design and analyze statistical studies in the field of medicine. They play a key role in developing and evaluating new treatments, and they help to ensure that clinical trials are conducted safely and ethically. This course on biosimilars can help Biostatisticians stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It can also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively design and analyze clinical trials involving biosimilars.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases in populations. They play a key role in developing and implementing public health policies, and they help to protect the public from disease outbreaks. This course on biosimilars may help Epidemiologists stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It may also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively investigate the causes and distribution of diseases related to biosimilars.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They play a key role in ensuring that patients receive quality care, and they work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare organizations. This course on biosimilars may help Healthcare Administrators stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It may also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage healthcare organizations that use biosimilars.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants (PAs) provide patient care under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and prescribing medications. This course on biosimilars may help PAs stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It may also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for patients who are taking biosimilars.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care, including administering medications, monitoring patients, and providing emotional support. They play a key role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. This course on biosimilars may help RNs stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It may also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively care for patients who are taking biosimilars.

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Medical Technologist

Medical Technologists perform laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. They play a key role in ensuring that patients receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. This course on biosimilars may help Medical Technologists stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It may also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively perform laboratory tests on patient samples involving biosimilars.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (PSRs) sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers. They play a key role in educating healthcare providers about new drugs and treatments, and they help to ensure that patients have access to the medications they need. This course on biosimilars may help PSRs stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this field. It may also help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively sell biosimilars to healthcare providers.

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