D2.469 - Pre-switch perceptions of omalizumab biosimilar prefilled pen in pediatric allergy: a cross-sectional survey

The availability of omalizumab biosimilars, such as CT-P39 in prefilled pen, offers opportunities to optimize home administration and improve efficiency in pediatric allergy care. Patient and family acceptance drives successful switches. This study describes a structured switch strategy from prefilled syringe omalizumab to CT-P39 prefilled pen and assesses pre-switch perceptions.

Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in 26 pediatric patients (mean age 10.8 years; 65.4% male) on active omalizumab followed in Pediatric Allergy Clinic. Variables collected: demographics, indication, treatment duration, dose, interval, and administration site. Structured switch included personalized information and practical training. Pre-switch survey comprised 5 Likert items (1=totally disagree; 5=totally agree).

Twenty-six patients were included: 17/26 (65.4%) male, 9/26 (34.6%) female (mean age 10.8 years). Overall expectations favored a prefilled pen. Most agreed/strongly agreed that it would make administration less complex (23/26, 88.5%). Willingness to switch from syringe: 18/26 (69.2%). Improved home-administration confidence: 16/26 (61.6%). Strongest consensus on training needs: 26/26 (100.0%) required detailed instructions pre home self-administration. Additionally, 18/26 (69.2%) expected reduced burden/discomfort, including pain and healthcare visits.

This preliminary pre-treatment survey shows high anticipated acceptability of the prefilled pen biosimilar, with strong consensus on structured training needs and favorable expectations for simplicity, switch willingness, home confidence, and reduced administration burden. Such training fosters family autonomy, adherence, and efficiency; the model is extrapolable to other pediatric biologics.