Improving Access to Cancer Treatments: The Role of Biosimilars.

ABSTRACT: Biologics play a key role in cancer treatment and are principal components of many therapeutic regimens. However, they require complex manufacturing processes, resulting in high cost and occasional shortages in supply. The cost of biologics limits accessibility of cancer treatment for many patients. Effective and affordable cancer therapies are needed globally, more so in developing countries, where health care resources can be limited. Biosimilars, which have biologic activity comparable to their corresponding reference drugs and are often more cost effective, have the potential to enhance treatment accessibility for patients and provide alternatives for decision makers (ie, prescribers, regulators, payers, policymakers, and drug developers). Impending patent expirations of several oncolo

SUBMITTER: Chopra R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5646904 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature