The cost savings of biosimilars can help increase patient access and lift the financial burden of health care systems

Background Biologics have provided improved clinical benefits to patients, but they come at a huge expense due to the high costs associated with their development and manufacturing. Biosimilars, which have been clinically studied and have demonstrated to be efficacious and safe, are more cost-effective versions of biologics, however, their uptake has been slow in the United States (US) compared to in the European Union (EU). Objectives In this analysis, we review the challenges to increased biosimilar use in the US and the successful strategies employed to increase biosimilar uptake in the EU. Conclusions Greater utilization of biosimilars in the US is an achievable goal but the federal government, pharmaceutical companies, and medical associations/institutions will need to work together to address patient and physician concerns and to remove incentives for using more expensive treatment options.