Innovator Biologics and Biosimilars
When the patent for an original biologic medicine expires, companies can create copies called biosimilars. As the name suggests, biosimilars are similar, but not identical to their innovator biologic drug. As a result, small differences between medicines are unavoidable and regulators have determined that biosimilars are not “generic biologics” and should not be substituted without consulting a physician.
Yet, private or government insurers can eliminate reimbursement of the innovator biologic medicine and only reimburse the biosimilar version. This is something that may result in non-medical switching, where a switch is made to a biosimilar for reasons unrelated to a patient’s health. And switching to a medicine that does not have identical active ingredients may have consequences.
The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines believes that patients and their physician should remain in control of their treatment decisions, rather than an insurer, government, pharmacy, or other third party.
Watch this video for important information about non-medical switching and what it means for patients, physicians and payers.
