EULAR launches patients' position paper on use of biosimilars in rheumatology

Welcome to EULAR 2015, which opens today in Rome and is set to be the biggest rheumatology event in Europe. Over 14,000 scientists, physicians and health professionals from more than 120 countries are taking part in a clinical and educational programme of lectures, workshops, abstracts, poster presentations and symposia.

Journalists attending EULAR 2015 will hear the latest scientific knowledge and advances in clinical practice designed to improve the fight against rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD), both in adults, and in the growing field of paediatric rheumatology. The most newsworthy and innovative abstracts will be presented to journalists each day, as part of the daily Press Conferences, issued as Press Releases, and featured on the EULAR Press Office YouTube Channel.

One of EULAR's key commitments is to raising the standard of care for patients suffering from RMD, as evidenced by key presentations delivered by the Committee for People with Arthritis/Rheumatism (PARE):

• Helping patients to make informed decisions: PARE guide for patient organisations and health professionals to promote EULAR recommendations in patient-friendly language
• Biosimilars: what do patients need to consider? a PARE position paper

"Biosimilars are one of the many important topics being raised at EULAR 2015; their rapidly expanding availability has the potential to significantly widen patient access to costly treatment," said Professor Maurizio Cutolo, President of EULAR and previous Chairman of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology. "I would urge journalists to take note of the position paper being presented by Ms. Diana Skingle, Chair of the PARE Standing Committee. The paper answers patient questions, and highlights what is still needed to assist physicians, patient organisations and patients in their understanding and assessment of biosimilars. EULAR aims to help guide informed treatment decisions aligned with the regulations of major agencies, such as the European Medicines Agency, the Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization, allowing for country or regional interpretation," Professor Cutolo explained.

Over the course of the congress there will be some 300 oral and just under 2,000 poster abstract presentations, more than 150 sessions, 400 lectures, 40 poster tours and 350 invited speakers,

"EULAR is not just about quantity; year-on-year we are astounded by the quality of research submitted. This year 44% of abstracts were rated highly for scientific excellence by the Scientific Committee, up from 14% in 2000," said Professor Cutolo. "I would urge journalists to visit the poster area of the conference each day, which in our view represents the heart of a modern congress."

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, and treatment of RMD and the rehabilitation of those it affects.

EULAR is an umbrella organisation representing scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic diseases throughout Europe. With 45 scientific member societies, 35 People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) patient organisations, 21 health professionals associations and 21 corporate members, EULAR highlights the importance of combating rheumatic diseases through both medical means and patient care.