The development of biosimilars shifted the paradigm of biologics. Arguably, some of the major changes biosimilars have attributed are increasing patients’ access to biological treatments1, saving costs1, and brining healthy competition2 in the medicine market.

So, what are biologics and how are they different from traditional chemical medicines?

Traditionally, development of medicine centered around the synthesis of small molecules in a laboratory. These are relatively simple (think of aspirin), consist of very few atoms and are usually taken orally. They can easily be produced in substantial quantities.

Biologics are produced in living systems3 and due to this there is some inherent variability4,5 in the characteristics of the final drug produced. Variability has been observed in different batches of the same biologic medicine because of the size of the molecule, and the method of manufacture. Because of this, the manufacturing process is more complicated than it would be for a small molecule drug. 6

Some examples of biologics include treatments for some cancers, digestive diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.1

Then what are biosimilars and how are they tested?

Biosimilars are biological medicines that are highly similar to an approved biological medicine (known as the 'reference biologic'), with comparable efficacy and safety to the reference biologic.7 Biosimilars are different to generics, which are exact copies of original simple chemical drugs.

Authorities still need to individually approve biosimilars for use, and through vigorous testing,6 biosimilars maintain the high standard of biologic medicines.

Before being approved, the structure and function of both the original biologic and the biosimilar goes through extensive analysis. Once it has passed, the biosimilar is analyzed for clinically meaningful differences, and how it performs in the body of a patient.8 These tests can include human trials on clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and additional clinical studies to address any residual remaining uncertainties.7,8

It is paramount to confirm that the patients’ body reacts in the same way with the biosimilar, as it would with the reference product. Upon approval, some biosimilars will be used interchangeably with the reference product, whereas in other cases, the label will show where the biosimilar can be used. 7, 8

What does biosimilars mean to Samsung Bioepis?

Samsung Bioepis view biosimilars as key players in the world of medicines. By keeping costs low, making medicines available for more patients and offering more options for clinicians, payers and other healthcare professionals, biosimilars are shifting the paradigm of biologics. The number of biosimilars in development and in production are ever-increasing, maintaining healthy competition in the medicine market and offering high-quality alternatives.

Samsung Bioepis is committed to developing high-quality biosimilars, making a significant difference in the lives of many patients worldwide. More than 200,000 patients in Europe have already benefitted from Samsung Bioepis’ biosimilars. 9

References

References in IMG