Biosimilars Forum Statement On Policies Supporting Biosimilar Uptake In Canadian Market

The Biosimilars Forum released the following statement after the Canadian province of Alberta announced that it will switch patients on government-sponsored health plans from using more expensive biologics to using lower-cost biosimilars. Biosimilars are safe, effective and lower-cost alternatives to brand name biologics. This was the third Canadian province to proactively recognize and support the increased use of these cost-saving medicines:

Following Europe’s lead, three Canadian provinces have now recognized the substantial cost-savings associated with increased patient utilization of biosimilars. While there has been bipartisan recognition in Congress of biosimilars’ cost-saving benefits, it’s clear that policymakers need to take action to foster and sustain a robust biosimilars market that lowers costs for patients and the health care system at-large.