Biologics are produced by a complex manufacturing process involving living organisms. These medicines over the past 20 years have improved the treatment and prevention of many chronic, disabling and life-threatening diseases. However, biologics are also one of the key drivers of rising healthcare costs.

Biosimilar medicines are versions of original-brand biologics that have lost patent protection. To receive Health Canada's authorization, a biosimilar must demonstrate that it is highly similar and has no clinically meaningful differences in safety and efficacy compared to the original-brand biologic.¹⁰

Biosimilars can be used for the same therapeutic aim and offer an opportunity to reduce spending on costly original-brand biologics. The Canadian Government’s Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board has estimated that private and public drug plans across Canada could save from $332 million CDN to $1.81 billion CDN in the third year following biosimilar entry across a portfolio of products.¹¹

If you are a Canadian who is concerned about the sustainability of the publicly funded healthcare system, we encourage you to learn more about The Biosimilars Generation.