Biologics drive nearly 40% of drug spending—biosimilars aim to cut costs and expand access

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BY INSIDE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

As fertility treatments grow more expensive, biosimilars are gaining attention as a lower-cost alternative to high-priced biologic drugs. Biologics make up just 2% of all prescriptions but account for nearly 40% of total drug spending. In reproductive medicine, this cost burden limits access to essential therapies.

Biosimilars—FDA-approved therapies shown to be highly similar to existing biologics—cost about 30% less than their reference products. Their broader adoption could reduce financial strain for patients and clinics while preserving safety and efficacy standards.

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Market Access Still Lags Despite 33 FDA Approvals

Of the 33 FDA-approved biosimilars, only 21 are currently marketed. Barriers such as formulary exclusions and limited awareness have slowed uptake, keeping cost-saving potential largely untapped.

Meitheal Pharmaceuticals joined The Biosimilars Forum in October 2023, aligning with companies that hold significant biosimilar portfolios. The coalition advocates for greater inclusion of biosimilars on formularies and expanded access in specialties like fertility.

“The creation of a sustainable and competitive marketplace for biosimilars has the potential to improve patient access, increase treatment options, and generate savings and efficiencies,” said Meitheal CEO, Tom Shea. “The Biosimilars Forum is committed to fostering a competitive marketplace that enables safe, effective and lower cost biosimilars to thrive.”

Fertility-Focused Expansion Highlights Unmet Need

Although biosimilars have gained ground in fields like oncology, their impact on fertility remains limited. Expanding availability in reproductive endocrinology could ease treatment costs and help clinics serve more patients.

The Biosimilars Forum notes that in European markets, biosimilar adoption has led to broader access and more sourcing options for providers. Similar trends could follow in the U.S. with policy and payer support.

Coalition Advocates for Access and Affordability

The Biosimilars Forum continues to push for regulatory changes and payer engagement to ensure biosimilars can compete in the market. According to Executive Director Juliana M. Reed, “The Forum’s Board of Directors and I are delighted that Meitheal is joining our organization at the most critical juncture in the U.S. biosimilar industry’s history.”

Industry advocates note that while biosimilars could save billions in U.S. healthcare spending, the full benefit will only be realized if these medicines are widely included on formularies.