Biosimilar Bias: A Barrier to Addressing American Drug Costs

Forty percent of spiraling US drug costs are based on a mere two all drugs –biologic (biologics) made from living cells that administered by injection or infusion. These will continue to balloon as new biologics approved; the recently approved Alzheimer’s is expected result in 50% increase Medicare spending and cost individuals 40% their annual income. expensive because they cannot be mass-produced, places important treatments for conditions such arthritis (Humira) cancer (Herceptin) out reach many Americans. Fortunately, just there generic versions brand name pills, lower biosimilars original allowed an expedited regulatory approval process lowers obtaining approval. However, adoption minimal, stark contrast widespread use drugs, despite decade safe biosimilar other countries. This Article provides first comprehensive explanation how laws, industry actions, cognitive biases work together impede use. This argues doctors patients currently have unfounded misperceptions concerning safety efficacy misinformation propagated companies builds upon existing bias against cheaper drugs. Not only does this keep high, but it also creates worse health outcomes since studies show negative physical manifestations. Although similar misperception structural differences terms laws insurance coverage exacerbate biosimilars. For example, created additional designation substituted without doctor intervention; contrary generics where no federal required substitution. After revealing existence extent biosimilars, proposes solutions effectively promote It suggests multi-pronged approach encourage includes legal changes support substitution, education specifically tackle biases, financial incentives proposals especially timely FDA can comparable at pharmacies, more than after pathway was created, suggesting time ripe address systemic issues. Moreover, addressing these barriers would not expand access treatment, save estimated $50 billion next decade.