Biosimilars: Expand treatment options for chronic inflammatory conditions

Biosimilars are versions of brand-name biological drugs that are highly similar to their reference products but are typically more affordable. This affordability can significantly expand the treatment options available to patients with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Biological products are the fastest-growing class of therapeutics in the U.S., accounting for a substantial portion of healthcare costs.¹

Biosimilars, much like generic medications, provide a cost-effective alternative to brand-name biologics through specialty pharmacies.^2,3 Industry research indicates that biosimilars may offer savings of up to 40% compared to the reference product’s price.⁴

Despite biosimilars’ potential, their adoption has been slow, primarily due to uncertainties about benefit coverage. However, this trend is changing as more healthcare providers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) begin to prefer biosimilars. This shift is driving increased utilization of these alternatives, including critical areas such as oncology, where 67% of oncologists now feel comfortable switching patients to biosimilars.⁵

Biosimilars are designed to be equally effective and may be less expensive than the reference biologics, with the potential to improve access to these critical treatments for patients.⁶

Biosimilars undergo rigorous FDA testing and approval processes, ensuring their safety and efficacy for people with disease states like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.⁷ This rigorous process helps build confidence among providers and patients, leading to broader acceptance and use of biosimilars.

An interchangeable biosimilar meets strict requirements set by the FDA, allowing it to be substituted for the original product without consulting the prescriber. This process, known as pharmacy-level substitution, is similar to how generic drugs are substituted for brand-name drugs and is subject to state pharmacy laws.

Some biosimilars are not interchangeable and may need to be prescribed by name, depending on state laws.⁶

Biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars are as safe and effective as their reference biologics. Providers do not need to wait for biosimilars to be approved as interchangeable before prescribing them.⁶ This flexibility allows for broader use of biosimilars in clinical practice, providing a clinically suitable option for patients whether they’ve received the reference product or not.⁸

1. If you’re not sure which biosimilar is covered, write for the reference product (its brand name).
2. Indicate on the prescription that substitution is allowed the way you normally would. Example: Sign your name on the signature line that allows equivalents.
3. If the patient’s insurance prefers an interchangeable product, and you allow substitution on the prescription, the pharmacy may legally substitute the interchangeable biosimilar and will notify you of the change.
4. If the patient’s insurance prefers a biosimilar that is not interchangeable, the pharmacy will reach out to request a new prescription for the preferred product.

Beyond medication, we offer the support and tools you need to better manage complex patient care. We offer:

• Dedicated support: Patients get a welcome call and other support to help them better understand their medical condition, treatment, potential side effects and how to manage them.
• Patient education: Resources include virtual visits with a pharmacist, video series and ongoing assessments.
• Digital tools to support adherence: Our Mobile app, patient portal and Schedule My Fill tool helps ensure timely delivery of medication, and our text adherence program helps patients take medications as prescribed.