How Biosimilars Help with Chronic Conditions

Biosimilars are medicines used to treat many chronic diseases. And they’re close copies of biologics.

What are biologics?

Medicines made from living cells

Biologics are complex medicines made from living cells, like yeast or bacteria.

• Regular medicines (like aspirin or antibiotics) are small molecule drugs. They’re made with chemicals. They have a simple structure and can be copied exactly. These copies are called generics.
• Biologics are large, complex molecules. They target certain cells or processes in the body to help fight diseases. They can treat many chronic conditions, but they’re often very expensive.

What are biosimilars?

Close copies of biologics

Biologics are too complicated to copy perfectly. Instead, scientists make medicines that are very close to the original biologic. These are called biosimilars .

• Biosimilars deliver the same amount of the active ingredient into the body at the same rate as the biologic .
• They work the same way, are just as safe and usually cost less.

How do biosimilars work?

They block damaging cells and signals

Biosimilars help stop inflammation and damage.

• Many chronic diseases come from overactive immune responses that cause too much inflammation.
• For example, special proteins called cytokines send inflammation signals in the body.
• When cytokines overreact, they cause chronic inflammation.
• This inflammation makes symptoms worse and causes damage.
• Biosimilars target these cells and block the signals to reduce inflammation.

What do biosimilars treat?

Biosimilars can treat chronic conditions

Biosimilars block the inflammation signals that cause symptoms and damage in different chronic conditions.

• Crohn’s disease
• Stop the immune system from attacking the gut.
• Multiple sclerosis
• Keep certain immune cells from getting into the nervous system.
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Block proteins that cause joint inflammation.
• Ulcerative colitis
• Stop immune cells that cause inflammation in the bowel.
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Block damaging signals that cause joint pain and swelling.

Why do biosimilars matter?

Biosimilars offer more access to effective treatments

Biologics take many years and a lot of money to develop. So they have a very high cost.

Biosimilars:

• Can be made at a lower cost.
• Are just as safe and effective as the original biologics.
• Give more people access to the best medicines.
• Help people with chronic conditions get needed treatment at a lower cost.

Are biosimilars right for you?

Like all medicines, biosimilars may have side effects. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best options for you.

This educational resource was created with support from Sandoz.