Biosimilars are biological products that are highly similar to reference products despite minor differences in clinically inactive components and have no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and potency. The biologics or biosimilars are produced using a unique cell line and a proprietary process that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Is there any difference?
The pressure of rising costs of medical treatments for patients across the globe has created a significantly high demand for biosimilars. The biosimilars are expected to serve as a cost-effective alternative to costly biologics, resulting in a much-needed reduction in medical treatment expenditure and improving access to high-quality, life-saving drugs.
Clinical Advantages | Market Advantages |
---|---|
Many cancers today are curable at an early stage, like early HER2 - positive breast cancer by Trastuzumab | Affordability |
Quality of life has been enhanced with MABs, like Adalimumab in RA | Increased access |
The relapse of the disease has been reduced with Rituximab in NHL | Reduces the burden on healthcare spending |
Better patient compliance; for example, the use of Erythropoietin/Darbepoetin in CKD has overcome the need for blood transfusions | Offers a big market opportunity for biosimilar companies |
Wider treatment options for no drug/less option therapy in many diseases | Challenges the monopoly of innovator’s pricing models |