What are biosimilars and how can they help you?

You may have never heard of biosimilars. But one of these innovative and cutting-edge drugs may just save or change your life — or the life of someone you know.

So what are biosimilars?

1. Biosimilar drugs belong to a group of drugs called biological drugs.

Unlike conventional drugs, which are made from chemicals, biologics are made using cells or living organisms.

biosimilars have greatly improved the treatment of some of the most difficult-to-treat diseases, including many cancers.¹

However, since the development of these drugs is very complex and time-consuming, biologics are expensive.

“Biologics are breakthrough medicines that have revolutionized the treatment of many difficult-to-treat diseases,” said Igor Solev, global head of market access, policy and external payers for Abbott’s pharmaceutical business. “But their cost makes it difficult to provide biologics at scale to people around the world.”

For example, in China, only 20-25% of breast cancer patients diagnosed for the first time are treated with biologics.² In Brazil and Mexico, up to 40% of people with types of cancer that can be treated with biologics do not receive treatment.²

2. Biosimilar drugs work in the same way as the “original” biological drug.

But what is the difference between biologics and biosimilars?

A biosimilar is a biological drug that is very similar to an already approved biological drug (the “reference” or “original” drug). Although biosimilars are not identical, they meet the same standards for pharmaceutical quality, safety, and efficacy as all biologics.

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

We can think of manufacturing biologics like growing apples. Apples are affected by many different complex factors that make it difficult to create an exact replica, but no 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 copies of chemical drugs and are easier to develop. They can be compared to building blocks, which can be easily recreated by following the same instructions.

Biosimilars are a game-changer when it comes to access to biologics because they can be significantly cheaper than the original biologic. Importantly, the data show that when biosimilars are available, doctors are more likely to prescribe biosimilars.³

4. Biosimilars make life-saving treatment more affordable.

Biosimilars are already having a big positive impact.

The 2022 report found that biosimilars led to cumulative savings of more than $32.5 billion (€30 billion) for European healthcare systems.⁴ This allows them to treat more people with life-threatening illnesses.

“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 pharmaceutical business. “By increasing access and affordability, biosimilars can bring innovation and advanced treatments to more people around the world.”

5. Biosimilars can be integrated into your treatment plan from scratch or can replace your current medication.

If you have a condition that can be treated with biologics, your doctor will determine if you are eligible and explain what to expect.

Because they’re more complex than conventional drugs, biologics or biosimilars don’t come in pill form — they usually have to be infused or injected. Therefore, this may involve going to a hospital where a doctor or nurse will provide treatment.

You may already be receiving a biologic drug, and your doctor may suggest that your next dose should be a biosimilar. If this is the case, you may want to talk to your doctor ahead of time to find out what this means for you.

Although biologics and biosimilars are difficult to understand at first, they offer hope to many who take them. Now that more biosimilars are becoming available, more people will have access to lifesaving medicines sooner.

Abbott works with biotech companies to bring advanced biosimilars to key emerging markets so more people can get and stay healthy.

Reference list

¹ Nakhta, R., Esteva, F. Trastuzumab: triumphs and trials. 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 trastuzumab use in HER2+ breast cancer and the potential impact of biosimilars: a survey of physicians in the US and emerging markets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). September 2014; 7(9): 943–953.

⁴ IQVIA. Impact of biosimilar competition in Europe, 2022.