Tore K Kvien1, Kashyap Patel2, Vibeke Strand3. 1. Professor Emeritus of Rheumatology, University of Oslo; Senior Research Advisor, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway. 2. CEO, Carolina Blood and Cancer Care; President, Community Oncology Alliance (DC); Medical Director (consultant-part time), Blue Cross Blue Shields SC; Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award Nominee 2021; Trustee and Clinical Affairs Chair, Association of Community Cancer Centers (DC); Medical Director, International Oncology Network; Past President, South Carolina Oncology Society (2014-2015); Chief of Staff, Springs Memorial Hospital 2012-13, Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States. 3. Adjunct Clinical Professor, Division of Immunology/Rheumatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4978-4072. Electronic address: vstrand@stanford.edu.
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.
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.