# Biosimilars' Role in Expanding Global Access to Psoriasis Treatment Biosimilars are **highly effective and safe alternatives** to originator biologic drugs for psoriasis, offering substantial cost reductions and improved access to treatments that were previously unaffordable for many patients.[2][3] ## How Biosimilars Improve Access Biosimilars are FDA-approved biologic products that are very similar to existing reference biologics, with no clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy.[5] By using reverse engineering after patent expiration, they cost significantly less than originators. Real-world data shows adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab biosimilars reduced treatment costs to approximately €500–€1,000 per patient response, compared to €1,800–€1,900 for originator drugs.[3] Within the US Department of Veterans Affairs system, biosimilars provided substantial cost savings in 2023 and continue to expand access within public healthcare systems globally.[2] ## Clinical Evidence Numerous randomized controlled trials and real-world studies confirm that switching patients from originator biologics to biosimilars maintains efficacy and safety.[1][3] Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who responded to originator infliximab showed no significant loss of response or additional adverse events when switched to the biosimilar CT-P13.[3] Multiple biosimilars are now approved or in development for TNF inhibitors, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, and ustekinumab.[3][7] ## Remaining Barriers Despite these benefits, significant obstacles persist. Patent protections have limited US biosimilar availability.[1] Physicians often lack familiarity with biosimilars, and patients report concerns about efficacy when switching treatments.[4] Additionally, absent patient support programs and inconsistent physician communication about biosimilar switches raise concerns about trust and pharmacovigilance.[4] Education for both providers and patients is essential to increase biosimilar adoption and fully realize their potential to democratize access to biologic therapy.
Originaltitel: The role of biosimilars in enhancing global access to psoriasis treatment - PubMed