Gastroenterology

During Q1 2025, pharmaceutical companies accelerated biosimilar expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships in hopes of boosting patient access to lower-cost treatments in immunology and oncology.

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).

As the biosimilar industry celebrates a decade of growth, the market continues to evolve with expanded treatment options, cost savings, and a flurry of new competitors—yet regulatory challenges, market dynamics, and patient accessibility remain key hurdles to unlocking its full potential.

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who switched to the infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 had higher treatment persistence (84% and 91%) than those new to infliximab (66% and 53%), with no new safety concerns.

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.

A study evaluating pregnancy outcomes and infant developmental milestones found similar outcomes between pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who received reference infliximab and those who received a biosimilar.

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

Since the FDA’s groundbreaking approval of Zarxio in 2015, the US biosimilars market has surged to 67 approvals across 18 originators—though the journey has been anything but smooth, with adoption facing hurdles along the way.

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

A prospective cohort study found that switching back from the biosimilar SB2 to the reference infliximab did not affect clinical disease activity or safety in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

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.

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.

A retrospective observational study found no significant differences in progression-free survival or safety in patients with colorectal cancers in Japan treated with ABP 215, Amgen’s bevacizumab biosimilar, or reference bevacizumab (Avastin), and estimated cost savings of 800,000 Japanese yen (approximately $5100) per patient with the biosimilar.

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.

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.

A real-world study in adolescent and young adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found no significant differences in lab markers or disease activity between those on Remicade and those switched to biosimilar CT-P13 (Inflectra).

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.

To close out the year, 4 senators came together to introduce a new bipartisan bill to protect biosimilar and generic drug manufacturers from patent litigation when obtaining “skinny label” approvals for their products.

First-line cetuximab beta injection has received NMPA marketing approval in RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.

The top gastroenterology biosimilar news from 2024 highlight fluctuations in the adalimumab biosimilar market throughout the year, while FDA and European approvals for ustekinumab biosimilars are set to improve access and reduce costs for patients with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

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

A real-world study in France found patient satisfaction was stable after switching from either the reference product or a low-concentration adalimumab biosimilar to the adalimumab biosimilar CT-P17, a high-concentration, citrate-free formulation.

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.