About biosimilars
A biosimilar is a biological medicine that is highly similar to an already approved original biologic, with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, quality or effectiveness. Some eight of the top ten medicines prescribed in UK hospitals by spend are biological medicines. These medicines are used to treat a range of conditions from cancer to chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Biosimilar competition is already proving successful in delivering critical savings to the NHS while also increasing the number of patients who can be treated. Due to their cost-effectiveness, they also allow patients to be treated earlier in a clinical pathway, providing better outcomes and reducing strain on the system.
The UK market
The UK biosimilars market has experienced strong growth in recent years, driven by strategic NHS initiatives, industry collaboration and increasing clinical confidence. Biosimilars have played a pivotal role in expanding access to biologic therapies, particularly in areas like oncology, rheumatology and diabetes care. NHS England's commissioning framework and Regional Medicines Optimisation Committees have actively supported biosimilar adoption, resulting in rapid uptake following product launches.
For example, the introduction of the biosimilar adalimumab led to significant cost savings and broader patient access, with more than 25,000 additional patients benefiting from biologic treatments for moderate rheumatoid arthritis.
A partnership approach with industry has also been a critical factor in the UK becoming a leading market for biosimilar adoption.
Maintaining momentum
Biosimilars have become a cornerstone of the UK's strategy to improve patient outcomes while managing healthcare costs. Looking ahead, continued investment in biosimilar infrastructure and stakeholder collaboration will be key to sustaining this momentum and unlocking further benefits for the healthcare system. Biosimilars represent one of the NHS's most powerful levers for unlocking sustainable savings and expanding patient access. Indeed, many of the NHS's most expensive treatments are biologics, and so the opportunities offered by biosimilars are considerable.
Latest industry news
Partnership will revive inactive licences to solve critical medicines shortages
By Jeremy Durrant