Magellan Rx Pharmacists Explore the Payer Perspective on Oncology Biosimilars

Between congressional hearings and executive orders, experts had plenty to draw on when dissecting the barriers to biosimilar access at Festival of Biologics USA to close out April 2025.

Despite saving billions, biosimilars still account for only a small share of the biologics market—what's standing in the way of broader adoption and how can artificial intelligence (AI) help change that?

Christopher T. Robertson, JD, PhD, reviewed the history and ethical landscape of providing access to drugs before FDA approval, highlighting the crucial role of clinical trials and ethical safeguards at the 2025 Festival of Biologics USA.

On this episode of Not So Different, we explore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) second interim report on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) with Joe Wisniewski from Turquoise Health, discussing key issues like preferential reimbursement, drug pricing transparency, biosimilars, shifting regulations, and how a second Trump administration could reshape PBM practices.

Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA, BCBBS, emphasized that legislative support and formulary changes are crucial for overcoming unique challenges in specialty pharmacies and driving the growth of biosimilar adoption, which has significant cost saving potential in the next decade.

Dracey Poore, MS, director of biosimilars and emerging therapies at Cardinal Health, highlighted that biosimilars saved $36 billion over the last decade by improving patient access and the supply chain, but continued education and a robust pipeline are crucial for future growth.