Biosimilar test case

The 2023 launch of biosimilar versions of Humira will test whether biosimilar versions of non-cancer drugs can slash prices and achieve high market share. A BioCentury analysis demonstrates that biosimilar competition has resulted in lower prices of top-selling biologics in the U.S., but the impact of reduced prices has been blunted by low market penetration.

Biosimilars on the market today are sold at discounts of 2-56% compared with the originator biologics, whose peak prices have fallen 15-60% in response (see Table). However, in some cases, rebating and contracting practices have severely limited market share of the lower-cost products. Because of its high cost to the healthcare system, biosimilar versions of Humira adalimumab could make the case for biosimilars — if cost decreases are coupled with significant market penetration...