The biosimilar drug landscape continues to change and evolve, with over 100 biosimilars1 currently in the development and approval process. This activity has some projecting savings through biosimilars to exceed an estimated $181 billion through 20272.
CarelonRx routinely monitors the biosimilar market to ensure access when available. Our objectives include achieving lower net costs for plan members and plan sponsors.
Here’s a brief overview of the biosimilar landscape.
Historical context
- The first biosimilars hit the U.S. market 10 years ago.
- The U.S. market has seen the approval of 71 biosimilars since 2015, across 20 reference drugs. However, only 49 of these have launched, with others delayed due to patent issues.
- Until recently, the biosimilars were primarily for drugs on the medical benefit in the oncology and the rheumatology space.
Recent trends
- A Humira (adalimumab) biosimilar launched in early 2023 with low to moderate adoption.
- Other biosimilars coming soon include Tysabri, Simponi. We will also see additional competition for already approved biosimilars.
Next decade outlook
- It's anticipated that 30 new molecules will emerge in the next 10 years, accounting for around 100 new biosimilars potentially hitting the market.3
Biosimilars impact on the specialty market
CarelonRx offers biosimilars and their reference products (i.e., Humira) on all our Commercial formularies. It’s our belief that by encouraging price competition, expanding treatment options, and increasing access, biosimilars can play an important role in improving health outcomes overall and providing greater cost management opportunities.
1. FDA-TRACK: Biosimilar Dashboard
2. Biosimilars in the United States 2023-2027
3. FDA-TRACK: Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
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