Biosimilars: the 'future' of biologic therapy?
The introduction of a number of biologic therapies to the market has revolutionized therapeutics in dermatology. However, the patents protecting their manufacture are about to lapse, and follow-on generic products, known as biosimilars, are about to flood the pharmaceutical market. The 'biosimilars' are different from the generic products of conventional drugs in terms of efficacy, safety and immunogenicity. This awareness is essential for their proper prescription and the safety of patients. This article intends to serve as a primer for dermatologists in their understanding of biosimilars.
Ranjan
Nitin
N
Kaveri Apartments, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. drnitinranjan@gmail.com
Mahajan
Vikram K
VK
Misra
Monika
M
D001688:Biological Products / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061214:Patient Safety; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
D001688:Biological Products; D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals