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Biosimilars 101
Biosimilars work as well as drugs that follow the model and are often more affordable. This quick guide will help you understand if biosimilars could be an option for you.
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What are biosimilars?
Biosimilars are copies of a type of medicine called biologics. Biological products are medicines made from a natural source, such as plant or human cells. Biologics and biosimilars are used to treat a variety of health problems, including:
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
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Psoriasis
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Crohn’s disease
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Various types of cancer
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Biosimilars are safe and effective
Biosimilars are almost identical to biologics and work in the same way to treat many of the same health problems. They are safe, effective and approved by the FDA.
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Lower production costs = cheaper medicines
Because they are much cheaper to produce, biosimilars are more affordable than biologics, which are among the most expensive drugs in the world. Biologics used to treat RA, for example, can cost $30,000 a year.
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Choose possible candidates
Companies decide to create biosimilars based on factors such as how much they will cost and whether they have a good chance of working the same way as a biologic.
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Meet FDA standards
Once they decide to create a biosimilar, a company analyzes and compares data to develop a drug that meets the FDA’s high standards. The biosimilar is tested many times to show that it works in exactly the same way as the original biologic.
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Availability of biosimilars
Currently, there are 44 biosimilars approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
These include 10 biosimilars inspired by dalimumab (Humira), a drug used to treat autoimmune problems.
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Obstacles to biosimilars
Although demand for biosimilars is growing in the United States, they are still not as widely used here as in other countries.
This may be because some biologic manufacturers have attempted to block their development and because some insurance companies are unwilling to cover them.
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Help people access treatment
Biosimilars are important to our healthcare system because they provide a more affordable option for patients who would not otherwise be able to access treatment.
Biosimilars are 30% cheaper on average than their biological counterparts.
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Are biosimilars right for you?
If you are currently using a biologic, ask your healthcare provider about biosimilars. There may be an equally safe and effective option available to you, at a lower cost.
This educational resource was created with the support of Amgen, a member of HealthyWomen’s Corporate Advisory Board.
