Immunology

High adherence rates, comparable clinical effectiveness, and cost savings have marked the early adoption of adalimumab biosimilars in the US, particularly in formulary-driven transitions, as shown in 2 retrospective studies presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy annual meeting (AMCP 2025).

Biosimilar natalizumab demonstrated comparable efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to reference drug Tysabri in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), supporting its potential as a cost-effective treatment option.

Tendering emerged as the most effective strategy for reducing costs and increasing biosimilar uptake in the retail setting, while price-linked discounts and prescribing quotas have shown mixed or uncertain results.

Celltrion and Formycon with Fresenius Kabi launched their respective ustekinumab biosimilars (Steqeyma and Otulfi), joining 4 others that launched earlier this year.

Although more research is needed in pediatric patients, biosimilars could improve treatment access and reduce costs.

Adalimumab biosimilars differ from adalimumab in approved indications, concentration and dosage, and formulation.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who switched from reference adalimumab (Humira) to a biosimilar under a mandatory nonmedical switching policy maintained long-term safety, efficacy, and treatment persistence comparable to those who remained on the originator drug, according to a Canadian study.

Three ustekinumab biosimilars enter the US market, expanding access to more affordable options referencing Stelara (ustekinumab), one of the most profitable drugs in the world.

A 15-year-old girl with ulcerative colitis who developed injection site reactions to the adalimumab reference product was successfully switched to the biosimilar LBAL without recurrence of symptoms, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of switching for medical reasons, likely due to an allergic reaction to an excipient in the originator.

Switching back from infliximab biosimilar SB2 to reference infliximab (Remicade) did not affect clinical disease activity or safety in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a prospective cohort study.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saved $67 million in 2023 through its strong adoption of biosimilars to curb the high costs of biologic therapies to treat chronic disease.

2025 marks a pivotal year for biosimilars with Amgen's Wezlana leading ustekinumab biosimilar launches, potentially driving savings and access, as highlighted by Dracey Poore, MS, of Cardinal Health.

Of the 118 biologics losing exclusivity over the next decade, only 10% have biosimilars in development, meaning a vast majority of biologics have no pipeline, which limits savings potential for the health care system.

January 1 marks the launch of the first biosimilar referencing Stelara (ustekinumab) in the US, ushering in a new class of lower-cost medicines for patients with rheumatic and gastrointestinal conditions.

The FDA approved Avtozma, a tocilizumab biosimilar developed by Celltrion, for the treatment of several rheumatic conditions. It is the third biosimilar to reference Actemra (tocilizumab) to be approved for US patients.

SB5, an adalimumab biosimilar approved in the US, is showing to be safe and effective for patients with psoriasis in the long term, according to a study from the UK and Ireland.

Three players in the biosimilar space have already sparked hope for the new year, with each having big business or regulatory announcements regarding new biosimilar products in Europe and Canada.

In 2024, the FDA approved 19 biosimilars across various therapeutic areas, including the first biosimilars for ustekinumab and denosumab, marking significant progress in expanding treatment options and market competition.

Functional similarity of the ustekinumab biosimilar ABP 654 (Wezlana) and the reference product (Stelara) was confirmed by a series of in vitro studies, which support the totality of evidence for the biosimliar's FDA approval.

Biosimilar launches achieve a 53% market share and a 53% reduction in average drug costs after 5 years of biosimilar competition, according to Samsung Bioepis’ most recent market report, showcasing notable pricing trends and market share disparities across therapeutic areas.

The nationwide mandatory switch from Humira (reference adalimumab) to biosimilar adalimumab in Denmark led to no increase in total health care costs over 9 months, with significant cost reductions for those who switched to GP2017 specifically, highlighting the economic feasibility of biosimilar adoption.

The FDA approved Celltrion's Steqeyma (ustekinumab-stba), making it the seventh biosimilar slated to compete against blockbuster Stelara (reference ustekinumab) in 2025.

Alvotech and Advanz Pharma have submitted a European marketing application for their golimumab biosimilar to treat inflammatory diseases, while Celltrion secured Korean approval for denosumab biosimilars, and Intas Pharmaceuticals partnered with Xbrane Biopharma on a nivolumab biosimilar.

A French real-world study found that the adalimumab biosimilar SB5 was effective in treating rheumatic or gastrointestinal immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, showing no loss of disease control in switched patients and similar persistence rates between naive and switched groups.

The study highlights the safety, efficacy, and cost benefits of infliximab biosimilars in managing pediatric noninfectious uveitis, showing fewer disease flares and reduced costs compared with reference infliximab, as well as the influence of insurance mandates on treatment decisions.

Veterans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prioritize shared decision-making, transparency, and individualized care in biosimilar switching, favoring delayed switching for severe cases and greater patient control.

For the first time, Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) has replaced Humira (reference adalimumab) as AbbVie’s sales driver, largely due to companies encouraging “product hopping” to avoid competition, creating concerns for the sustainability of the burgeoning adalimumab biosimilar market.

Celltrion plans to commercialize 22 biosimilars by 2030, expanding its global presence with robust sales growth driven by core biosimilars and new launches like subcutaneous infliximab.

Henlius and Organon’s pertuzumab biosimilar met phase 3 goals; Meitheal expanded its US biosimilars; Celltrion’s subcutaneous infliximab (Zymfentra) showed monotherapy could be as effective as combination therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

Panelists emphasized the need for transparency and policy reforms in pharmacy benefit management (PBM) to improve accessibility, affordability, and fair competition for adalimumab biosimilars.