Why Increasing Patient Awareness of Biosimilars Is Important

Thursday March 1, 2018

Today’s healthcare arsenal includes biological products, or biologics, that are used in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions. Their use continues to grow consistently each year, and they are expected to account for 30% of new drug products launched between 2016-2020.  Biologic medicines have grown to become an indispensable tool in modern medicine, but they are costly. While only 2 percent of the U.S. population uses biological drugs, biologics account for 40 percent of prescription drug spending in the U.S. Some originator brand biologics can cost as much as several hundred thousand dollars per patient per year.

Fortunately, more affordable options for many patients who rely on biologic treatments are beginning to enter the market: biosimilars. Biosimilars are developed to provide safe, effective alternative versions of existing biologic medicines (known as “reference products”) with scientifically comparable quality, safety and efficacy. With the approval of the nearly 10 biosimilars in the United States and research underway for many more, there is great scientific and regulatory momentum for biosimilars.

The approval of biosimilar and interchangeable biologic products will generate competition that lowers costs for patients, providers and the overall health care system. However, there is much work to be done to educate the public, physicians, and patients about biosimilars and their importance in increasing access to critical therapies.

Every day, doctors talk to their patients and educate them about the best treatment options for their conditions. When a biosimilar is a treatment option, making it part of those conversations could help broaden awareness and uptake of these important, more affordable treatments. If you are a physician or patient who would like to learn more about biosimilars, including their safety and efficacy, visit the Biosimilars Council resource page.

About the Biosimilars Council

The Biosimilars Council, a division of the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), works to ensure a positive environment for patient access to biosimilar medicines. The Biosimilars Council is a leading source for information about the safety and efficacy of more affordable alternatives to costly brand biologic medicines. Areas of focus include public and health expert education, strategic partnerships, government affairs, legal affairs and regulatory policy. More information is available on our about page.

About AAM

AAM is driven by the belief that access to safe, quality, effective medicine has a tremendous impact on a person’s life and the world around them. Generic and biosimilar medicines improve people’s lives, improving society and the economy in turn. AAM represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, manufacturers and distributors of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals are 90 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but only 23 percent of total drug spending. Additional information is available at www.accesiblemeds.org.

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The Council is involved in a number of events that focus on advancing biosimilars in the United States. Click on one below to learn more:

 

 

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GRx+Biosims™ 2024 is the premier regulatory science and policy event for the U.S. generics and biosimilars industry. Access the most recent information straight from experts at the Food and Drug Administration, grasp the latest policies shaping the industry, and acquire valuable insights to propel your professional development.