The cost savings of biosimilars can help increase patient access and lift the financial burden of health care systems

Abstract

Background: Biologics have provided improved clinical benefits to patients, but they come at a huge expense due to the high costs associated with their development and manufacturing. Biosimilars, which have been clinically studied and have demonstrated to be efficacious and safe, are more cost-effective versions of biologics, however, their uptake has been slow in the United States (US) compared to in the European Union (EU).

Objectives: In this analysis, we review the challenges to increased biosimilar use in the US and the successful strategies employed to increase biosimilar uptake in the EU.

Conclusions: Greater utilization of biosimilars in the US is an achievable goal but the federal government, pharmaceutical companies, and medical associations/institutions will need to work together to address patient and physician concerns and to remove incentives for using more expensive treatment options.

Keywords: Biologic; Biosimilar; Biosimilar approval process; Cost of care; Inflammatory arthritis; Patient access.