During a time when worldwide healthcare systems are under intense strain, greater access to safe, effective while affordable medicines is an important asset. As medical facilities face more pressure, it’s vital that affordable and alternative treatment solutions for chronic conditions or life debilitating diseases exist. The answer, according to the medical innovators at Fresenius Kabi, is biosimilars.

What Are Biosimilars?

As most medical breakthroughs are protected by patents, biosimilars are highly complex and officially approved drugs that can be made available when the exclusivity period ends. Biosimilars are developed and manufactured with similar efficacy, safety and quality as the original reference medicines. With medical resources in such high demand, the time is right for affordable medicines, such as biosimilars, to make an even larger impact on the global stage.

“There has never been a bigger focus on the cost of healthcare than right now and that means the case for biosimilars just became even more compelling,” explained John Ducker, President of Fresenius Kabi Region North America. “This isn’t just important for healthcare companies like Fresenius Kabi, it’s important for society.”

Biosimilars first hit the market more than ten years ago and have been of great help because they offer modern treatment options that go beyond other kinds of drugs and significantly greater patient access to medicine and treatment.

Biosimilars are options for many critical and chronical illnesses such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.

“There needs to be education and more awareness that biosimilars go through the same level of rigor, in terms of development and manufacturing, and meet the same high-quality standards as reference biologics,” said Darius Panaligan, Senior Vice President Strategic Marketing and Communications, Fresenius Kabi Biosimilars.

Affordable Medicine Made Available Globally

Around the globe, Fresenius Kabi leverages its experience from its more than 65 production sites and compounding centers, 25 research and development centers and 65 sales and marketing organizations to provide biosimilar products to more healthcare professionals and patients globally. “We are proud at Fresenius Kabi to provide medicines around the world,” said Georg Feger, Executive Vice President Business Unit Biosimilars, Fresenius Kabi. By increasing market access and removing barriers, biosimilars are expected to save tens of billions of Euros for medical facilities and those who depend upon them.

“We have a very strong commitment to biosimilars, and we have invested in a brand new facility for research and development purposes in Switzerland and hired highly talented people in order to be at the forefront of the development,” highlighted Dr. Michael Schönhofen, President Pharmaceuticals and Devices Division, Fresenius Kabi.

With more and more biosimilars now available as recognized alternative treatment options, they are shifting the landscape and choices for healthcare providers and patients in need in a dynamic and ever-changing world.