title: Update on biosimilars in rheumatology.
abstract: Biologic agents have become indispensable in the management of autoimmune disease particularly rheumatological conditions. The lives of countless individuals have been improved following treatment with these drugs. Unfortunately, their cost prohibits more widespread use around the globe. This critical issue has been addressed by the introduction of biosimilars into the market. These therapies have been developed to resemble the originator molecule as closely as possible and to increase competition in the therapy area thus allowing costs to be reduced. Our review is intended to offer an update on biosimilars including logistic considerations on their introduction into routine practice.
authors.affiliation: The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rischin
authors.affiliation: Cabrini Medical Center, Malvern, VIC, Australia. draostor.emeritus@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Andrew J K
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Östör
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
keywords: Biologics; Biosimilars; Efficacy; Health economics; Logistics; Rheumatology; Safety