In recent years, the term "biosimilars" has become increasingly common in discussions about healthcare and medication. But what exactly are biosimilar drugs, and why are provincial governments across Canada choosing to introduce these alternatives?  

Let's break it down in simple terms. 

What are biosimilar drugs? 

To understand biosimilars, we first need to know what biologic drugs are. Biologics are complex medicines made from living organisms to support bodily functions and conditions that can impact daily life. They are used to treat various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic illnesses. Some well-known brand name biologic drugs include Humira, Remicade, and Herceptin. 

Biosimilar drugs are essentially the "generic" versions of these biologic drugs made from chemical compounds. While biosimilars are highly similar, they are not identical to the original biologic drug. Instead, biosimilars are designed to be as close as possible in terms of structure, function, and effectiveness. 

Differences of biosimilar and biologic drugs 

While biosimilars are like biologics, they differ from biologic drugs in some ways: 

• Source: Biologics are made from biological sources, whereas biosimilars are made from chemical compounds [3]. 

• Approval process: Health Canada requires more extensive testing through a science-based regulatory framework for new biosimilars due to their complexity [3]. Biosimilars must meet the same regulatory standards as a biologic drug to prove it is safe and effective. 

Why are biosimilars important? 

Biosimilars offer several significant benefits: 

1. Cost savings: One of the primary reasons many plans are switching to biosimilars is the potential for substantial cost savings. Biologics are often expensive, and their high cost can be a burden on healthcare systems and patients. Biosimilars, being less expensive to produce, can help reduce these costs significantly. 

2. Increased access: Lower costs mean that more patients can afford these life-saving medications. This increased access can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for many individuals. 

3. Encouraging competition: The introduction of biosimilars into the market encourages competition, which can drive down prices even further. This competition can also spur innovation as companies strive to improve their products and services [2]. 

How are biosimilars approved? 

Biosimilars undergo a rigorous approval process to ensure they are as safe and effective as the original biologics. Health Canada requires extensive testing and clinical trials to demonstrate that there are no meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the reference biologic drugs in terms of safety, purity, and potency [3]. 

In summary, biosimilar drugs do represent a promising advancement in medicine by offering safe, effective, and more affordable alternatives to existing biologic treatments. As always, please consult your healthcare provider to learn more about biosimilar drugs.  

References 

[1] Rising Costs Explain Why Canada Is Switching to Biosimilars 

[2] Biosimilars in Canada: Policies to Promote Switching and What It Means ... 

[3] Biosimilar biologic drugs in Canada: Fact Sheet 

[5] Biosimilars approved in Canada - GaBi Online 

[6] Biosimilars - Ontario