Dr. Cuellar on the Pharmacoeconomic Benefits of Biosimilars

Sandra Cuellar, PharmD, BCOP, oncology resident director, clinical pharmacist, and team leader, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, clinical assistant professor, Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, discusses the pharmacoeconomic benefits of biosimilars.

Biosimilars have the potential to reduce the cost of therapy while maintaining the quality, efficacy, and safety thereof for patients, explains Cuellar.

Over the past decade, the price of biologics has increased by about 80% due to the lack of competition in the market, says Cuellar.

In 2009, Congress passed the Pathway for Biosimilars Act, allowing biosimilars to enter the market, explains Cuellar.

As more biosimilars receive regulatory approval, the price of biologics is expected to drop, providing patients with additional options at reduced cost, concludes Cuellar.