Dynamics of biosimilar uptake in emerging markets

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Globally, biosimilars are expected to play a key role in lowering healthcare costs and providing increased patient access to biological therapies. Given this, and in line with the European Union and World Health Organization, many emerging nations have adapted and established biosimilar regulatory guidelines. Emerging nations present a lucrative market for biosimilar development and commercialization, yet they also pose unique challenges. A thorough understanding of the unique attributes of emerging markets in relation to biosimilars is needed to promote their successful uptake in low- and middle-income countries.

Areas covered

This article highlights the opportunities and challenges that emerging markets represent in terms of biosimilar uptake. A comprehensive analysis of biosimilar uptake in European countries, where biosimilars have gained significant market share, was carried out to identify policies that can enhance market penetration in emerging nations.

Expert opinion

Implementation of pricing and procurement policies, as well as provider and patient confidence in biosimilar efficacy, are key factors in their uptake. Due to the high cost of biosimilar development, incentivizing domestic companies with the biosimilar manufacturing capability to produce these drugs will be helpful in ensuring a sustainable biosimilar market and a steady supply chain.

KEYWORDS:

• Emerging countries
• biosimilar pricing
• procurement policy
• physician awareness
• market access

Article highlights

• Emerging markets offer a significant opportunity for the growth of biosimilars yet present several constraints and challenges.

• Implementation of pricing and procurement policies can be key facilitators for a sustainable biosimilar market.

• Trust and confidence of physicians and patients towards biosimilars is vital to enhance their market uptake.

• Domestic manufacturing companies capable of manufacturing biosimilars should be promoted in emerging countries.

• Efforts from multi-stakeholders including governments and manufacturers are required to promote the uptake of biosimilars.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14712598.2022.2076557

Additional information

Funding

This paper was funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India (number BT/COE/34/SP15097/2015).