Biosimilar Medications - What Patients Need to Know

What are biosimilars? Biosimilars are a type of medication used to treat a range of conditions - like chronic skin and bowel diseases, arthritis, diabetes, kidney conditions, macular degeneration, and some cancers. A biosimilar is a type of biologic medication, and most biologic medications are made from living sources, like animal cells, bacteria or yeast. Because they mostly come from living sources, all types of biologics have minor differences that occur naturally between production batches. Just like brand name drugs have generic versions, original biologics can have biosimilars. FDA’s careful review of data, studies, and tests helps to ensure that biosimilars provide the same treatment benefits as the original FDA-approved biologic. Biosimilars may provide you with more access to important treatments, and they may also save you money, depending on your insurance coverage. Many different biosimilars have been approved and more are expected. For more information, visit www.fda.gov/biosimilars