Fast Facts: Biosimilars

Biologic medicines have revolutionized the treatment of many serious disorders. As biologic medicines are targeted specifically at disease processes, they typically offer a higher efficacy and lower toxicity than past generations of small-molecule synthetic chemical medicines. 'Fast Facts: Biosimilars: A Global Perspective' has taken a specifically global perspective, with expert contributors invited to represent a range of medical specialties, including endocrinology, hematology, oncology and immunology, and regions of the world. It addresses the following concerns, drawing on the most up-to-date information in this fast-moving area of medicine. - Is the quality of the biosimilar medicine equivalent to that of the original drug? - Is the biosimilar medicine safe? - Which indications can the biosimilar medicine be used for? - What are the realistic economic benefits? - How do I switch a patient from a biologic to an equivalent biosimilar medicine? - How do I select biologics in a region with regulatory uncertainty over biosimilars? - How do I explain biosimilars to patients?