The introduction of biosimilars for moderate-to-severe psoriasis treatment has demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to originator biologics, with the potential to improve cost-effectiveness. We explored the potential for biosimilars to improve access to biologics for psoriasis, especially in low-and-middle-income countries where costs often limit access to originators. The analysis was based on a systematic review conducted as part of the submission process to include adalimumab and ustekinumab in the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List for psoriasis. Among 17 studies included in the systematic review, we focused on those that provided data evaluating the cost and/or cost-effectiveness of biosimilars versus originators in the treatment of psoriasis. Two studies met the inclusion criteria. The first was a cohort-based Markov model which showed that biosimilar adalimumab was cost-effective compared with originator adalimumab for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The second, using a cost-per-responder model, found that adalimumab biosimilar had the lowest cost-per psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) complete clearance (PASI100) responder among the anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies. Biosimilars have a key role in reducing costs and expanding treatment availability for psoriasis patients. Further health economic studies, focusing on psoriasis, are required to demonstrate how biosimilars can improve access to biologics in this condition.
