As More Biosimilars Hit the Market, Uptake Remains Low but Improving

Although 2023 was a banner year for biosimilars hitting the U.S. market, uptake of these near-copies of biologic drugs remains low. Manufacturers of biologics also commonly file lawsuits or take other measures to extend their patents and have successfully delayed the introduction of FDA-approved biosimilars. Pharmaceutical industry experts tell AIS Health, a division of MMIT, that the slow adoption of biosimilars has an impact on payers that would prefer patients receive lower-cost biosimilars rather than expensive biologics.

In fact, a recent study offers evidence that private insurers are increasingly embracing biosimilars. Uptake of biosimilar medications was higher in Medicare Advantage plans than in traditional, fee-for-service Medicare from May 2015 through September 2022, according to a recent study published in JAMA Health Forum. However, biosimilars had less than a 50% market share in six of the seven product classes the authors examined, suggesting providers and patients often still opt for biologics.