S2, Ep 9- Overcoming the Hurdles of Biosimilars Adoption

Biosimilars are equally as safe and effective as brand biologic medicines. Plus, they are less expensive, which means they save patients money. So why are there still hurdles for the U.S. health care system to adopt them? “Patients are saving money and the system is saving money. So what we need to do is introduce policies in the marketplace that really enhance the adoption of biosimilars,” says Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at Global Healthy Living Foundation. Among the highlights in this episode: 1:19: Listeners’ comment 2:33: What is a biosimilar? 3:15: How a biologic drug is created 3:44: One benefit of biosimilars is lower priced for patients 4:26: Why biosimilars are used more in Europe than the U.S. 5:27: States have different laws overseeing the substitution of biosimilars 5:40: The FDA has approved biosimilars and has found them to be of equal safety, efficacy, and purity 6:05: Pharmacists have the power to substitute biosimilars 6:36: Patients must be informed when a biosimilar is being used 6:53: Why are biosimilars cheaper? 7:50: How patients benefit from biosimilars 8:30: Barriers to biosimilar adoption in the U.S. market 9:27: The “regulatory malaise” of the FDA 10:35: The future of biosimilars Contact our hosts: Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]. Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.