ACMA Announces Board Certification Program for Biologics, Biosimilars

Biosimilars have gained significant traction in healthcare for being more affordable alternatives to biological products. Despite the importance and benefits of biosimilars, many providers are hesitant to use them. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) recently announced a self-paced, online board certification program for biologics and biosimilars. This program may provide additional familiarity and comfort for providers with both products.

“The role that biologics and biosimilars play in the treatment of various chronic diseases is growing rapidly. Helping both the healthcare and life sciences industry better understand appropriate clinical use of biologics and biosimilars will be key to successful long-term patient outcomes,” said William Soliman, PhD, BCMAS, ACMA Founder and CEO, in the press release.

The certification program consists of eight modules and a summary or conclusion module, completed over six months for an average of 40 hours. The modules cover a variety of different topics, titled:

• Biological Medicines: Their History and Importance 
• Biosimilars in the US Today 
• Clinical Guidelines and Real-World Evidence 
• International Experience with Biosimilars 
• Regulatory and Scientific Concepts for Biologics 
• Economic Considerations with Biosimilars 
• Navigating FDA Resources for Biologic Products 
• The Future of Biologics and Biosimilars 

Each module begins with a pre-module quiz and concludes with a post-quiz to assess learning. Program participants will be allowed five attempts on post-quizzes. The program offers 100 practice questions to prepare clinicians for the board exam.

The ACMA notes, “Along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has developed a curriculum toolkit, the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) has developed the first and only recognized US and International Board Certification Program for industry, clinical, and scientific professionals in order to create an internationally-accepted standard of knowledge, education, and experience by which leaders in the field will be recognized as Board Certified Biologics and Biosimilars Specialists.”

The implications of this program are vast. With more formal educational opportunities available on biologics and biosimilars, the industry may see more biosimilar adoption. Adoption coincides with increasing familiarity and education on biosimilars.

“The growth in familiarity and comfort, first and foremost, is just increased time and experience of these products on the market and the growing number of products on the market,” said Sonia Oskouei, PharmD, Vice President of Biosimilars at Cardinal Health, in an interview with PharmaNewsIntelligence earlier this year.

Additionally, increased adoption may help reduce healthcare spending. Biosimilar costs are typically cheaper than brand-name biologics. Vizient’s 2022 Biosimilar Survey found that, between 2014 and 2022, biosimilars saved $12.6 million. These savings are essential in reducing healthcare spending, widening accessibility, and advancing health equity. 

To be eligible for the program, participants must hold an MD, PharmD, PhD, DO, DNP, NP, PA, BPharm, PsyD, or have a bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant industry experience. Participants with be responsible for a $49 application, $1000 course, $800 exam, and $150 credentialing fee. Additionally, the program will require recertification, costing $449, every three years.