The US Biosimilar Market: Stunted Growth and Possible Reforms.

Abstract

In 2010, Congress created an abbreviated application pathway for biosimilars, versions of approved biologics made by different manufacturers. However, as of November 1, 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved only 13 biosimilars under this pathway, of which just 6 were available for patients to use. We review the history of US regulation of biologics and identify manufacturing, regulatory, and marketing issues that have limited biosimilar market entry and uptake, concluding with recommendations for reform.