Are biosimilars really generics?

Abstract

Importance of the field: Ever since the formation of the first biotechnology company almost three decades ago, more than 150 biopharmaceutical products have been marketed across the globe. The oldest of these biotechnology-derived products are now at the end of their patent lives, as a result of which, the development of 'biosimilars' is increasing.

Areas covered in the review: The review highlights aspects in which biosimilars differ from generic drugs.

What the reader will gain: The active substance of a biosimilar medicine is similar to the one of the biological reference medicine; however, biosimilars differ from generics of pharmacological drugs in aspects like size and complexity of the active substance, and the nature of the manufacturing process. The manufacture of a biopharmaceutical product is complex and involves several isolation and purification steps. These procedures are proprietary to the manufacturer of the originator product and hence even minor changes in production can have serious implications in terms of safety and efficacy of the product.

Take home message: Biosimilars should not be brought to market using the same procedure applied to generics, and existing and future regulation should prevent inappropriate and automatic substitution of a biosimilar for a reference biopharmaceutical product.