Biosimilars are medicines used to treat numerous chronic diseases. And they are copies of biologics.
What are biologics?
Medicines from living cells
Biologics are complex medicines made from living cells such as yeast or bacteria.
- Regular medication (such as aspirin or antibiotics) are small molecule medicines. They are made with chemicals. They have a simple structure and can be copied exactly. These copies are called generics.
- Biologics are large, complex molecules. They target specific cells or processes in the body to help fight disease. They can treat many chronic diseases, but are often very expensive.
What are biosimilars?
Close copies of biologics
Biologics are too complicated to copy perfectly. Instead, scientists are creating drugs that are very close to the original biologic. These are called biosimilars.
- Biosimilars deliver the same amount of the active ingredient to the body at the same rate as the biologic.
- They work the same way, are just as safe, and typically cost less.
How do biosimilars work?
They block harmful cells and signalsS
Biosimilars help stop inflammation and damage.
- Many chronic diseases arise from overactive immune reactions that cause excessive inflammation.
- For example, special proteins called cytokines send inflammatory signals in the body.
- When cytokines overreact, chronic inflammation occurs.
- This inflammation worsens symptoms and causes damage.
- Biosimilars target these cells and block the signals to reduce inflammation.
What do biosimilars treat?
Biosimilars can treat chronic diseases
Biosimilars block the inflammatory signals that cause symptoms and damage in various chronic diseases.
- Crohn’s disease
- Prevent the immune system from attacking the intestines.
- multiple sclerosis
- Prevent certain immune cells from entering the nervous system.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Block proteins that cause joint inflammation.
- Ulcerative colitis
- Stop immune cells that cause inflammation in the gut.
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Block harmful signals that cause joint pain and swelling.
Why are biosimilars important?
Biosimilars offer greater access to effective treatments
The development of biologics takes many years and a lot of money. So you have very high costs.
Biosimilars:
- Can be manufactured at a lower cost.
- Are just as safe and effective as the original biologics.
- Give more people access to the best medicines.
- Help people with chronic illnesses get the treatment they need at a lower cost.
Are biosimilars right for you?
Like all medicines, biosimilars can have side effects. Always talk to your doctor about the best options for you.
This educational resource was created with the support of Sandoz.
