What is a biosimilar?
Biosimilars are drugs made from living material, such as bacteria or plant cells. They are modeled after another type of medicine called a biologic, also made from living matter.
Why do people use biosimilars?
Biosimilars can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, including:
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Chronic skin diseases, such as psoriasis
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Chronic intestinal disease
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Diabetes
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Arthritis
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Certain kidney conditions
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Multiple sclerosis
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Macular degeneration
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Certain cancers
Biosimilars are:
As safe as organic products
As effective as organic products
Cheaper than organic products
How does a biosimilar get FDA approval?
By being shown to work in exactly the same way as the reference product.
Are biosimilars the same as generic drugs?
They are similar but not identical.
Generics, made from chemicals, are exactly the same as brand name drugs.
Biosimilars, made from living materials, are very similar to the reference product.
Why aren’t they exactly the same?
Biologics and biosimilars are both made from living materials, so they both have some variability.
reception
Some biosimilars are interchangeable with their reference products.
This means you do not need a new prescription to switch from the biosimilar to the biologic.
(Biosimilars that are not interchangeable require a new prescription.)
Are biosimilars an option for you? Ask your healthcare professional.
This resource was created with the support of HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Board member Sandoz.