You may have never heard about biosimilars. But one of these innovative and highly advanced medicines might just save or change your life — or that of someone you know.

So, what are biosimilars?

1. Biosimilars belong to a group of medicine called biologics.

Unlike common medicines, which are made from chemicals, biologics are made using cells or living organisms. 

Biosimilars have greatly improved treatment for some of the hardest-to-treat diseases, including many types of cancer.¹

However, because developing these medicines is so complex and time-consuming, biologics are expensive.

“Biologics are pioneering medicines that have revolutionized the treatment of many difficult-to-treat diseases,” said Igor Solev, Global Head of Market Access, Policy and External Payor Affairs, for Abbott’s medicines business. “But their cost makes it difficult to provide biologics at scale for people worldwide.”

For example, in China, only 20%-25% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are treated with biologics.² In Brazil and Mexico, up to 40% of people with types of cancer that could be treated with biologics do not receive therapy.²

2. Biosimilars work as well as the “originator” biologic medicine.

But what’s the difference between biologics and biosimilars?

Well, a biosimilar is a biologic medicine that is highly similar to an already approved biologic (the “reference” or “originator” medicine). Although not identical, biosimilars follow the same standards in terms of pharmaceutical quality, safety and efficacy as all biologics.

Because they come from living organisms, no two biologic or biosimilar medicines will ever be exactly the same, but they have the same positive effect on people’s health.

We can think of making biologics like growing apples. Apples are influenced by many different complex factors that make it challenging to create an exact copy — yet two apples will have the same benefits when you eat them.

3. There is a difference between biosimilars and generics.

Biosimilars are also not the same as generics. Generics are direct replicas of chemical medicines and are simpler to develop. They can be compared to building block constructions that can be easily replicated by following the same instructions.

Biosimilars are a game-changer when it comes to accessing biologic medicines, because they can be significantly less expensive than the originator biologic. Importantly, data shows that when a biosimilar is available, doctors may be more likely to prescribe biosimilars.³

4. Biosimilars are making life-saving treatments more accessible.

Biosimilars are already having a big positive impact.

A 2022 report found that biosimilars resulted in more than $32.5 billion (€30 billion) cumulative savings for European healthcare systems.⁴ That enables them to treat more people living with life-threatening diseases.

“Biosimilars can benefit people in a more sustainable way for healthcare systems,” said Eran Gefen, Head of Global Medical Affairs and Pharmacovigilance for Abbott’s medicines business. “By increasing access and affordability, biosimilars can bring innovation and advanced treatments to more people worldwide.”

5. Biosimilars may be integrated into your treatment plan from scratch, or may replace your current medicine.

If you have a condition that can be treated by a biologic, your doctor will determine if you are eligible for it and will talk you through what to expect.

Because they are more complex than conventional medicines, biologics or biosimilars do not come as a pill — they usually need to be infused or injected. Therefore, it could involve going to the hospital, where a doctor or nurse would administer the treatment.

You may already be receiving a biologic, and your doctor could suggest that your next dose should be a biosimilar. If that is the case, you can proactively talk with your doctor to see what this means for you.

While biologics and biosimilars might be hard to understand at first, they represent hope for many who take them. Now, as more biosimilars become available, more people will be able to access life-saving medicines sooner.

Abbott is partnering with biotechnology companies to bring cutting-edge biosimilars to key emerging markets so that more people can get and stay healthy.

References

¹ Nahta, R., Esteva, F. Trastuzumab: triumphs and tribulations. Oncogene 26, 3637–3643 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1210379
² McKinsey. 2019. What’s next for biosimilars in emerging markets? Available from: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/whats-next-for-biosimilars-in-emerging-markets
³ Lammers et al. Barriers to the Use of Trastuzumab for HER2+ Breast Cancer and the Potential Impact of Biosimilars: A Physician Survey in the United States and Emerging Markets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). Sep 2014; 7(9): 943–953.
⁴ IQVIA. The Impact of Biosimilar Competition in Europe, 2022.