Biological medicines have revolutionised patient treatment by offering new and effective medicines for acute and chronic conditions including a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, neutropenia, cancers, and enzyme or hormone deficiencies.
A biosimilar medicine is a biological medicine which is highly similar to another biological medicine already licensed for use and, as originator biological medicines come off patent, more biosimilar medicines will become available.
Three experts came to the SMC to discuss what a biosimilar is, how they differ from generics, how they can be used, and what are the pros and cons for patients and the NHS.
Speakers will include:
Dr Virginia Acha, Executive Director – Research, Medical and Innovation, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
Prof. Jayne Lawrence, Chief Scientist, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and Professor of Biophysical Pharmaceutics, King’s College London
Dr Julian Bonnerjea, Head of Biologicals and Biotech unit, Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)