It’s been one year since the launch of the first adalimumab biosimilar for Humira in the United States, which was followed by eight additional adalimumab biosimilar launches. These nine FDA-approved products offer lower-cost alternatives to the world’s bestselling drug, Humira, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune disorders. This made 2023 a watershed year for millions of U.S. patients paying too much for their necessary medications.
But so far, that vision hasn’t come to fruition, because policymakers haven’t taken the action necessary to be sure these lower-cost products are accessible for patients. If they fail to act, the U.S. health care system could lose up to $133 billion in savings and leave patients without access to the medicines they need.
Biosimilars are safe and effective treatments referencing biologic drugs. They are market disruptors, forcing lower prices for biologic medicines. The cost savings from reference biologic products begins almost immediately when biosimilars enter the market and continues over time.