FDA in new pilot to boost biosimilars

The ability of patent holders to preserve their market exclusivity, a lack of consumer understanding and other factors have held up the widespread adoption of biosimilars in the USA compared to other markets.

Yet the availability of these products can provide more treatment options for patients, increase access to lifesaving medications, and potentially lower health care costs through competition. Opportunities to bring cheaper drugs in rheumatology, immunology and oncology to market are three of the areas where there is major potential to cut costs.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is trying to do what it can to speed up the arrival of these more affordable biologics on the US market in a new pilot.