The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) brought together health care leaders for a two-day conference in Alexandria, Virginia, this week to discuss issues pertaining to market readiness, acceptance and use of biosimilars.
Biosimilars consist of living molecules that are versions of biological therapies. They are often less costly than branded treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first biosimilar product for use in March. They have been available in Europe for approximately 10 years.
“We are at a unique moment in history,” AMCP CEO Edith Rosato said. “Rarely has the health care sector witnessed the introduction of a completely new class of therapeutic products. The arrival of biosimilars – much like the introduction of generic drugs decades ago – will provide patients and providers with safe, effective and more affordable therapeutic alternatives for treating some of the most pernicious chronic diseases.”
Between June 10 and 11, industry leaders discussed how the industry would likely manage the launch of new treatment options and how patients, payers and providers would react. The AMCP has been active in its support of biosimilar products, including combating what the group considers to be restrictive state legislation on biosimilars despite the FDA declaring that they are interchangeable with their branded counterparts.
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