Biosimilars Offer a Good Option for Many Patients
Biosimilar basics
Like currently available biologic medications, biosimilars are medications that are made from natural and living sources like animal and plant cells and can be made of sugars, proteins, living cells, tissues, or a combination of these.¹
A biosimilar:
- Is highly similar to an existing biologic drug (sometimes called the reference product)
- Comes in the same doses as the original biologic
- Provides the same U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment benefits and has the same potential side effects as the original biologic¹
Biosimilar uses
They are used to treat and prevent conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions.
Biosimilars are safe and have FDA approval
To show they are as safe and work as well as the original biologic (reference product), they must go through a complete set of tests. Then, the FDA approves them. They work just as well, too.1
Biosimilars compared to generics
Generally, generics are made from chemicals. They are exact copies of brand-name medications. Biosimilars are made from natural materials, so they can only be highly similar to the original biologics (reference products).
Biosimilars cost less
Usually, biosimilars cost less than the reference product, although pricing details may vary between products and depending on plan details.
Compare biologics and biosimilars
| Original biologics (Reference products) |
Biosimilars | |
|---|---|---|
| How is the medication developed? | Complex molecules produced in living cells using advanced science | Complex molecules produced in living cells using advanced science |
| Is it an exact copy? | Original (reference) product | It’s not possible to make an exact copy, but they are tested to make sure they are as safe and effective as the original (reference) product. |
| Tested to be as safe and effective, having the same clinical results? | Yes | Yes, more extensive testing than generics due to how they’re made.1 |
| Approved by the FDA? | Yes | Yes |
| New prescription needed? | Not Applicable | Pharmacist may need a new prescription |
Learn more
Talk with your doctor to learn more about biosimilars and if they may be right for you. Or, visit the FDA website on biosimilars.
1 Patient Materials | FDA https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/patient-materials Accessed 03/30/2022.