Biosimilars
A biosimilar is a type of biologic medication. Biologics are medicines made from living organisms that have had a major impact on the treatment of many medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What are biosimilars?
Biosimilars are developed to be highly similar, but not identical to a biologic in the market that is already FDA-approved. The original biologic against which the biosimilar is evaluated is often referred to as the “reference product.”
FDA approval process
The process to make a biosimilar is very complex, and the U.S. Congress has created a unique process for biosimilars’ approval. For a biosimilar to be approved by the FDA, it must meet strict requirements to show that it works the same way as the reference product, and produces no meaningful clinical differences in terms of safety and effectiveness from the reference product. It must also have the same mechanism of action, route of administration, dosage form and strength as the reference product.
Many biologics have come off patent or will soon come off patent. This has provided drug manufacturers with the incentive and opportunity to develop biosimilars to compete with existing biologics. As the market for biologics and biosimilars grows, having new products available will benefit health-care providers and patients by increasing treatment options and improving access to important medicines at lower costs.
Education for providers
This AGA program includes on-demand videos, an infographic in English and Spanish and a four-part podcast series hosted by Christina Ha, MD, FACG, AGAF.
View a meeting report from the AGA Biosimilars Roundtable.
This Clinical Practice Update provide an overview of biosimilars, their manufacturing process, the FDA approval process and the data available describing their safety and efficacy.
AGA collaborates with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to create educational content for health care providers.
Education for patients
AGA wants to help patients better understand their treatment options for IBD, including the difference between biologic and biosimilar drugs.
What are biologic and biosimilar drugs?
Watch this video to better understand the difference between biologics and biosimilars.
Qué son los medicamentos biológicos y biosimilares?
Mire este video para comprender mejor la diferencia entre los productos biológicos y los biosimilares.
When it comes to GI symptoms: Trust your gut
Share this campaign to help your patients gain the confidence to speak up about their GI symptoms.
