The role of biosimilars in hospital pharmacy: Advancing cost-effective and accessible treatments.

Linda Kimmel

doi:DOI: 10.35841/aabps-15.109.279

Opinion Article - Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2025) Volume 15, Issue 109

The role of biosimilars in hospital pharmacy: Advancing cost-effective and accessible treatments.

Linda Kimmel ^*

School of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore

*Corresponding Author:: Linda Kimmel
School of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
E-mail: linda@kimmel.sg

Received: 01-Jan -2025, Manuscript No. AABPS-25-161151; Editor assigned: 02-Jan -2025, PreQC No. AABPS-25-161151(PQ); Reviewed: 18-Jan -2025, QC No. AABPS-25-161151; Revised: 22-Jan -2025, Manuscript No. AABPS-25-161151(R); Published: 29-Jan -2025, DOI: 10.35841/aabps-15.106.279

Citation: Kimmel L. The role of biosimilars in hospital pharmacy: Advancing cost-effective and accessible treatments. Asian J Biomed Pharm Sci. 2025;15(109):279

Visit for more related articles at Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Introduction

The rising cost of biologic medicines has created significant challenges for hospital pharmacies and healthcare systems worldwide. As an alternative, biosimilars have emerged as a crucial solution to enhance accessibility while maintaining therapeutic efficacy and safety. Biosimilars are biologic drugs that are highly similar to their reference products but manufactured by different companies once the original patents expire. Their introduction has revolutionized treatment strategies in hospital settings, especially for chronic and complex conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes [1].

Biosimilars are not identical copies of original biologics but share comparable structure, function, and clinical efficacy. Unlike generic drugs, which are chemically synthesized and identical to brand-name counterparts, biosimilars are produced using living cells, making their development and approval process more complex. Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and EMA, require extensive comparative studies to ensure biosimilars meet rigorous safety and effectiveness standards before entering the market [2].

Hospital pharmacies play a crucial role in the adoption and implementation of biosimilars. Pharmacists are responsible for evaluating their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness while educating healthcare professionals and patients about their benefits. As biosimilars become more prevalent, hospital pharmacy teams must develop strategies for seamless integration, ensuring appropriate prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring practices [3].

One of the primary advantages of biosimilars is their potential to reduce healthcare costs. The introduction of biosimilars fosters competition, driving down prices and improving access to high-cost treatments. Many hospitals and healthcare systems have reported substantial cost savings after switching to biosimilars, allowing the reallocation of resources to other critical areas such as patient care, research, and innovative treatments [4].

Biosimilars contribute to increased availability of life-saving treatments for patients who may otherwise struggle to afford biologic therapies. With lower prices and wider distribution, hospitals can expand treatment options for patients with chronic conditions, reducing the burden of high-cost medications on both individuals and healthcare institutions [5].

Despite their benefits, biosimilars face several challenges in hospital settings. Physicians and patients may have concerns regarding efficacy, immunogenicity, and interchangeability with reference biologics. Additionally, regulatory complexities, patent litigations, and pharmaceutical competition can slow down their widespread adoption. Hospital pharmacists must actively address these concerns through education, evidence-based recommendations, and collaboration with healthcare teams [6].

Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EMA have established stringent guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of biosimilars. Hospitals must adhere to these regulations by implementing robust pharmacovigilance programs to monitor adverse effects and ensure continuous patient safety. Pharmacists play a key role in tracking biosimilar performance, ensuring compliance with guidelines, and advocating for necessary policy updates [7].

Pharmacists serve as the bridge between healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients in the successful adoption of biosimilars. Through educational initiatives, training programs, and patient counseling, they help dispel misconceptions and promote confidence in biosimilar use. Their expertise in pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and medication management ensures a smooth transition from biologics to biosimilars [8].

The biosimilar market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with more approvals and expanded indications for existing biosimilars. Advances in biotechnological manufacturing, coupled with increased awareness and acceptance, will likely lead to broader adoption in hospital settings. As biosimilar research progresses, new formulations and delivery methods may further enhance their role in clinical practice [9, 10].

Conclusion

Biosimilars represent a transformative advancement in hospital pharmacy, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to high-priced biologic therapies. Despite challenges in adoption, their economic benefits, regulatory safeguards, and potential to improve patient care make them a vital component of modern healthcare. Hospital pharmacists, as key stakeholders, must continue advocating for biosimilar integration through education, policy development, and clinical support, ensuring that patients receive high-quality and affordable treatments in the years to come.