Dr. Eradat on Rituximab Biosimilar in CD20+ B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and CLL

Herbert A. Eradat, MD, associate professor, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, discusses the implications of the FDA approval of rituximab-pvvr (Ruxience), a biosimilar to rituximab (Rituxan), in patients with CD20-positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

In July 2019, the FDA approved the biosimilar rituximab-pvvr for the treatment of adult patients with CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy, or for patients with CD20-positive CLL in combination with chemotherapy.

The approval of rituximab-pvvr will lead to significant financial improvement for patients, explains Eradat. Although financial toxicity is not typically discussed with patients or during medical meetings, it is an important issue to address, he adds.

The hope is that more biosimilars, particularly in the context of CLL, will come down the pipeline. Having these products available to patients will reduce the cost of the regimen and increase its availability. The availability of these products will greatly improve access to care for these patients, concludes Eradat.