Biosimilars
A biosimilar is a replication of a biologic already on the market (which is called 'the reference product'). A biosimilar is different from a generic drug in that a biologic is made from living material, so it's impossible to replicate exactly. (Keep in mind, a biologic is also living, so it also cannot be replicated exactly!)
AiArthritis Position Statement On Biosimilars
Biosimilars are safe, effective treatment options that can reduce costs and improve access to biologic therapies for people with autoimmune arthritis. But unlike generics, they are not identical to the original medicines they copy, and individual patients may respond differently to a given product. AiArthritis believes switching should be a medical decision made by patients and their healthcare providers—not a financial decision made by insurers or pharmacy benefit managers seeking to cut costs or increase profits. Only biosimilars that have shown, through data, that switching does not compromise treatment stability (such as those designated “interchangeable” by the US FDA) should ever be substituted without the consent of the patient or provider, as is standard with generics.
Patient Written Glossary of Terms
Frequently, everyday terms when navigating a diagnosis of an AiArthritis Disease—such as "payer"—can lead to confusion. Therefore, we have developed a glossary to assist!
Discover Patient Journeys Through Biosimilars In Our Video Library!
The Patient-Instructed Video Library
The Patient-Instructed Video Library was created to help our community gain a deeper understanding of critical issues that affect access to health care. The goals of this initiative are to educate, inspire fellow patients to share their experiences, and empower our community to take action in addressing access-related challenges.
What are Biosimilars? (Ray's Perspective)
Ray, a patient advocate with psoriatic arthritis, discusses the complexities of biosimilars. He explains that biologics differ from small molecule drugs and highlights that biosimilars are highly similar alternatives, not exact copies, needing unique regulations.
Biosimilars - Switching & "Interchangeable"
Join Tiffany (AiArthritis CEO, person living with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis) and Ray (Project Manager, person living with Psoriatic Arthritis), as they lead todays class on Biosimilars, discussing interchangeability and policies related to safe switching from the original drug.
Biosimilars Therapy Patient Story: Deb's Perspective
Deb, a volunteer with AiArthritis and a rheumatoid arthritis patient, reflects on her challenging switch to biosimilars like Remicade and Rituxan. She recalls her first switch resulting in adverse reactions and a flare-up.
Biosimilars Access Issues- Why Should Patients Care? (Tiffany's Perspective)
Tiffany, CEO of AiArthritis and a patient with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, highlights the importance of affordable access to biosimilars. She notes that while biosimilars show promise, the U.S. doesn't achieve the same savings as other countries because of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Biosimilars Access Issues - Why Should Patients Care? (Ray's Perspective)
Ray, a psoriatic arthritis advocate, emphasizes the significance of biosimilars for patients. He points out that while biosimilars are safe and effective alternatives to original biologics, they are not identical and can lead to different individual responses.
#360it Extended Discussion: Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Impact on Medicare & Biosimilars
In this special 360it spin-off episode, Ray and Michael, both living with psoriatic arthritis, break down how biosimilars and non-medical switching directly impact patients like them. With real-world experience and policy insight, they tackle tough questions around access, treatment stability, and patient choice.
#360it Should Patients Do If Asked to Switch to A Biosimilar?
What should you do if you’re told you’re being switched to a biosimilar? In this video, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, practicing gastroenterologist and Chairman of the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines, shares what patients need to know about navigating non-medical switching and advocating for their care.
Learn More By Exploring Our Video Library
Did you know that access to healthcare and treatments is frequently tied to policies like government healthcare systems and insurance companies? Recognizing these influences and sharing YOUR experiences with legislators to illustrate the need for policy change is crucial!
Share Your Biosimilar Experience
Would you share your experience with us? We’d like to hear how you navigated challenges in obtaining healthcare or treatments. What obstacles did you face, and how have they shaped your journey? Your insights could be invaluable to others in similar situations.
Class Is In Session! Biosimilars
About The Classroom: Lead instructors, including our CEO Tiffany, who has non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and is a former award-winning college instructor, will collaborate with Class Discussion Leaders living with our diseases to host engaging webinars and AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show segments.
Biosimilars Class: Biosimilars, which are safe and effective alternatives to the original biologic, will have slight variations in non-active ingredients due to manufacturing differences. While some patients may be fine to "switch", it should be a choice between the patient and the doctor.
How To Get More Involved!
Ready to deepen your involvement? Share experiences to support our fight for change with AiArthritis—join us for co-writing letters, virtual Field Trips, or become an inaugural AiAdvocate in our policy leadership program!
Join the Knowledge = Empowerment Program
A virtual, patient-led classroom approach designed to help patients understand legislative issues affecting treatment access and connect them with opportunities to advocate for change.
#WTHellth?!
Share your frustrations with the healthcare system using #WTHellth. Prefer privacy? Submit a written rant anonymously through AiArthritis’ RANT! program, selecting the #WTHellth category.
