This information is for patients taking or considering taking biologic or biosimilar medicines. 

Biologic medicines

Most regular medicines are made with chemicals. 

Biologic medicines come from living cells that have been changed to produce a medicine. Proteins in these medicines are usually larger and more complex than proteins in regular medicines. 

Biologic medicines have been used for many years for a wide range of conditions. They include hormones such as insulin (used to treat diabetes) and growth hormones, as well as antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Biosimilar medicines

Generic medicines are copies of an original branded medicine. For example, supermarket own-brand ibuprofen is a generic version of Nurofen.

In the same way, a biosimilar medicine is a similar version of an original branded biologic medicine. However, it is not completely identical because of the larger and more complex structures involved.

The original biologic medicine is referred to as the ‘originator’.

An example is the originator medicine ranibuzumab (sold as Lucentis) and the alternative biosimilar medicine Ongavia.

Biosimilar medicines work in the same way as the originators. They are carefully tested to show there are no differences in safety and effectiveness.

Biosimilar medicines cost less than the originators. This means that the NHS can prescribe them to more patients.

Some medicines do not have a biosimilar version

New biologic medicines are developed all the time. For the first few years, cheaper biosimilar versions cannot be sold. This allows the developer to make back the cost of developing the new medicine. 

If your medicine is a newer biologic medicine, biosimilar versions may not yet be allowed. 

What it means for you

Whether you are starting treatment with a new biologic medicine or already using one, at some point you will be informed that your medicine will be switched to a biosimilar version. 

You will not need to do anything, but the brand name and packaging will change. 

We expect you to have the same response and same side effects as you had with the originator medicine. If you have any concerns, contact the team looking after you. 

All biologic medicines may stop being effective after a period of time. However, this is not likely to happen more with the biosimilar medicine than with the originator medicine.

Contact information

For more information, contact whoever has prescribed your medicine(s), your local pharmacist or GP.