In the News

Generic medicines have saved Americans $1.67 trillion in the last decade. Biosimilars, which are more affordable, highly similar, safe, and effective versions of complex biologic medicines, are poised to do the same thing — if they aren’t thwarted by delaying tactics instituted by some pharmaceutical companies.

Biosimilars, or follow-on biologics, have the potential to offer safe and effective treatment at a lower cost than a reference biologic. But despite great anticipation, biosimilars have seen relatively slow growth in the USA.

PBMs and health-care groups praised the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that is expected to accelerate patients’ access to biosimilar medications. The ruling in the case, Sandoz Inc. v. Amgen Inc., allows biosimilar manufacturers to give marketing notice before FDA approval so that their products can get to market quicker.

Nearly seven years ago the Biosimilars Price Competition and Innovation Act authorized the Food and Drug Administration to approve safe, effective and affordable biosimilar versions of expensive biotech drugs. Yet, millions of America’s patients are still waiting for access to these life-saving treatments, while Europe’s patients have reaped the benefits of a decade of access and savings due to these therapies.