Unlocking the full potential of biosimilars

An Expert View from Dr Elena Wolff-Holz, global head of clinical development at Biocon Biologics,  the biosimilar subsidiary of Biocon (NSE: BIOCON).

The rise of chronic diseases across Europe is an ever-growing burden on healthcare systems. Rapidly increasing prevalence rates of diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases are putting healthcare systems under huge financial pressure, as well as limiting their ability to ensure the best outcomes for patients. A staggering one quarter of the European working age population has a chronic disease, largely due to the continent’s aging population – a demographic trend set to continue. The statistics appear just as bleak for the UK. According to recent projections, the three million people in the UK currently living with cancer will rise to 5.3 million by 2040. In addition, there are now over five million people suffering from diabetes, and autoimmune disorders currently affect about one in ten individuals in the country.

Biologics - complex and advanced medicines derived from living organisms - have revolutionized our ability to treat a multitude of chronic diseases and improve patient outcomes. With many patients being unable to access these essential medicines, biosimilars - highly similar medicines to the reference biologic - play a critical role in bridging this gap, having the same clinical efficacy, safety and product quality compared to the reference biologic while also being less expensive. Biosimilars can be offered to patients once the reference biologic loses exclusivity or patent protection and are affordable treatment alternatives.