Biosimilars Forum Statement on Policies Supporting Biosimilar Uptake in Canadian Market
WASHINGTON DC — The Biosimilars Forum released the following statement after the Canadian province of Alberta announced that it will switch patients on government-sponsored health plans from using more expensive biologics to using lower-cost biosimilars. Biosimilars are safe, effective and lower-cost alternatives to brand name biologics. This was the third Canadian province to proactively recognize and support the increased use of these cost-saving medicines:
Following Europe’s lead, three Canadian provinces have now recognized the substantial cost-savings associated with increased patient utilization of biosimilars. While there has been bipartisan recognition in Congress of biosimilars’ cost-saving benefits, it’s clear that policymakers need to take action to foster and sustain a robust biosimilars market that lowers costs for patients and the health care system at-large.