The Top 5 Most-Read Biosimilar Articles of 2024

In 2024, biosimilar-related articles highlight the significant economic shift in the pharmaceutical industry. Projections indicate that biosimilars and generics will lead to a $192 billion loss for originator products by 2028, with biosimilar market share increasing and driving substantial cost savings.

Despite challenges like uptake disparities and safety concerns, the growing biosimilar market—expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032—will reshape treatment options, particularly in oncology, while the role of unbranded biologics is anticipated to diminish due to legislative reforms targeting drug prices.

Here are the top 5 biosimilar articles in 2024.

5. IQVIA Projects $192 Billion Loss for Originators by 2028 Thanks to Biosimilar, Generic Competition

The IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science predicted that losses for originator products due to biosimilars and generics will rise from $111 billion to $192 billion by 2028, with the US accounting for $145.5 billion of this impact. The report also highlighted that, while the biosimilar market is expected to reduce spending on reference biologics by $39.5 billion, global medicine spending will grow by 5% to 8%, reaching $2.3 trillion by 2028. Specialty medicines, oncology, and immunology are key areas driving this growth, though price pressures and competition from generics and biosimilars will influence market dynamics.

To read the full article, click here.

4. Biosimilars Account for 23% Market Share, With Wide Uptake Disparities Across Molecules

Biosimilars currently account for 23% of the biologics market but show significant variation in uptake across different molecules, with early uptake reaching over 50% in some cases. Despite contributing to reduced drug costs, biosimilars face challenges like insurer contracts and formulation differences, which have slowed adoption, particularly for high-cost biologics like adalimumab. Over the next 5 years, biosimilar growth will play a key role in reducing biologic spending, particularly with upcoming exclusivity losses for major drugs like natalizumab and ustekinumab.

To read the full article, click here.

3. Budget Impact Analysis of Biosimilar Natalizumab in the US

An article, published in The American Journal of Managed Care®, assessed the financial impact of incorporating biosimilar natalizumab into the formulary for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatment from a US commercial payer perspective. The study projects a total savings of $452,611 over 3 years, with the mean savings per treated member increasing annually, as biosimilar natalizumab uptake grows. These savings were primarily driven by lower drug acquisition costs, highlighting the potential for increased access to high-efficacy treatments for patients with RRMS while reducing overall payer spending.

To read the full article, click here.

2. Global Biosimilar Market Projected to Reach $1.3 Trillion by 2032

The global biosimilar market is expected to grow from $25.1 billion in 2022 to approximately $1.3 trillion by 2032, driven by the rising prevalence of cancer and the cost-effectiveness of biosimilars. While biosimilars offer affordable treatment options, particularly in oncology, concerns about their long-term safety and efficacy remain, necessitating ongoing research and monitoring. The increasing demand for biosimilars, fueled by the expiration of patents and cost benefits, is also fostering innovation, particularly from start-up companies that are helping to expand patient access despite challenges in manufacturing and regulation.

To read the full article, click here.

1. The Underlying Economics of Unbranded Biologics

In a contributor piece, the role of unbranded biologics is explored, highlighting their use in maintaining inflated list prices to protect market share and counter biosimilar competition. These unbranded variants are often launched as a tactic to safeguard the gross-to-net bubble, especially after the loss of exclusivity, and have been commonly used in high-cost treatments like insulin and monoclonal antibodies. However, with recent and upcoming legislative changes aimed at reducing drug costs, such as the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, the relevance of unbranded biologics is expected to decline, particularly in insulin markets where list prices have already been significantly reduced.

To read the full article, click here.