Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Arthritis Ireland
Talk to us: 01 661 8188 / 0818 252 846
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Linkedin
Helpline Donate Refer a patient Become a member
  • Twitter
Menu
  • About us
    • Why we exist
    • News
    • Who we are
      • Our team
      • Our board
      • Membership
    • Governance
    • Finances
    • Strategic plan
    • Our policies
      • Complaints policy
      • Cookie policy
      • Privacy policy
    • Job opportunities
    • Become a member of Arthritis Ireland
  • About arthritis
    • Conditions
      • Ankylosing spondylitis
      • Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
      • Down Syndrome Associated Arthritis (DA)
      • Fibromyalgia
      • Gout
      • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
      • Lupus
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Polymyalgia rheumatica
      • Psoriatic arthritis
      • Raynaud's
      • Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Scleroderma
      • Sjogren's syndrome
    • Booklets
    • Medications
      • Drugs A-Z
      • Biosimilars
    • Physical activity
    • Pregnancy and arthritis
    • Work and arthritis
    • Patient stories
    • National Arthritis Week 2023
  • Get help
    • Get Support
      • Helpline & online supports
      • Arthritis Ireland Referral Programme
    • Living with rheumatoid arthritis
    • Newly diagnosed
    • Getting the most from your medical appointments
    • Covid-19 (coronavirus)
    • Mental health and arthritis
    • Coping with Emotions
    • Complementary therapies
    • Healthcare team
    • Take Control with Exercise
    • Healthy eating
    • Volunteer
    • Medical Cards
  • In your area
    • Our branches
    • Activites in your area
      • Clare
      • Cork
      • Donegal
      • Dublin
      • Galway
      • Kerry
      • Kildare
      • Kilkenny
      • Laois
      • Limerick
      • Longford
      • Louth
      • Mayo
      • Sligo
      • Tipperary
      • Waterford
      • Westmeath
      • Wexford
  • Support us
    • Vhi Women's Mini Marathon 2023
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
      • Ways to fundraise
      • Create a fundraising page
      • Stories
    • In loving Memory
    • Leave a legacy
    • Corporate partnerships
      • Business Champions
    • Become a Friend
    • Best Practice in Fundraising
  • Courses
    • Behind the Pain online
    • Living Well with Arthritis Course
    • Be Active with Arthritis
  • Research
    • Research we are funding
    • Arthritis Research Coalition Biobank
    • Working on a cure
    • Research priorities
    • HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme
  • Shop
  • Podcast-Blog
    • Inflammation Nation Podcast
    • Blog
      • Managing the Challenges of Pain - Part 1
      • Managing the Challenges of Pain - Part 2
      • Beating isolation with a chronic illness
      • Time to Find a New Hobby or Passion to Love
      • More Routine = Better Health
      • Autumn: a great time for meal planning
      • Smart sunshine safety with arthritis
      • 10 sun safe tips
      • 10 Reasons to (Gently) your Way Back to Fitness
      • Try Our Gentle 6-Week Walking Plan
      • Arthritis: The Invisible Condition (with 10 Steps)
      • Setting Healthy Boundaries to Protect your Energy
      • 8 Simple Secrets to Healthy Eating when Dining Out
      • Choose this….Instead of this…
      • Take the Sting out of Travelling Abroad
      • Travelling Abroad: 12 Essentials for your Carry-On
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)

Biosimilars

What is a biosimilar?

Are biosimilar medicines the same as generic medicines?

Biosimilars in Ireland

How are biosimilars administered?

Download our Biosimilars & arthritis booklet

What is a biosimilar?

A biosimilar medicine is a highly similar, but not identical, copy of an originator biologic medicine. A biosimilar contains a version of an active substance of a biologic medicine, which is referred to as the ‘reference medicine’ or ‘originator medicine’.

A biosimilar medicine is not an exact copy of its biologic counterpart because of the complex production process needed for these medicines. Like the reference medicine, a biosimilar medicine has a degree of natural variability, due to the biological nature of its ingredients.

However, when approved for use in people by the European Medicines Agency, any differences between a biosimilar and its reference medicine will have been shown not to affect safety or effectiveness.

This means that, in order to be licensed for use in people, a biosimilar medicine has to show that it is as safe and works as well as the originator medicine. All medicines, whether chemical or biological, have to be regulated for safety and approved before being made available to people.

While biosimilars have been used to treat cancer for many years, their use for people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis is relatively new in Ireland. However, this is changing as there is increasing availability of biosimilars for arthritis patients in Ireland.

Back to top

Are biosimilar medicines the same as generic medicines?

No. Generics are small-molecule drugs made from synthesised chemicals that can be easily replicated, whereas biosimilars of advanced biologic medicines are much larger, complex molecules derived from living cells.

Back to top

 

Biosimilars in Ireland

Since 2016 the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) has supported the appropriate introduction of biosimilar medicines into clinical use in Ireland to enable safe and effective prescribing, while also promoting cost-effective initiatives.

In 2018, the MMP started a process to evaluate therapeutic areas where there is potential for biosimilar medicines to be introduced to allow for their safe, effective and cost-effective use. In deciding on the best value biologic (BVB), the MMP invited submissions from all relevant stakeholders including clinicians, professional bodies and the pharmaceutical industry to the process.

What this means is that when clinicians look to prescribe treatments for arthritis patients these will be considered to be the best value treatments. Overall by carrying out the BVB process and its implementation by clinicians, this will lead to significant savings for the health service.

Read the HSE information for patients about the best value biologics, January 2020. 

 

Back to top

New patients

From 1 February 2020, it is HSE policy that adult patients who are commencing treatment with two particular drugs will be prescribed a BVB medicine. A new patient is an adult, who has never been prescribed these treatments before, or has not received these medicines within the last six months.

Back to top


Existing patients

There is currently no change for existing patients. They will continue to receive their medicine under the high tech arrangement from their community pharmacy.

However, according to HSE policy, when existing patients present for a repeat prescription for those two biological medicines, the patient should be considered for switching to a BVB medicine. The decision to switch a patient to a biosimilar rests with the clinician; where it is clinically appropriate and after consultation with individual patients. Those that switch to a biosimilar are expected to have the same response as if they had stayed on the originator biologic.

Back to top


How are biosimilars administrated?

Generally, biosimilars need to be given by infusion (intravenous or IV) in a hospital which may take several hours, or self-injected, using a needle and syringe or pen. This means, they are administered in exactly the same way as originator biologic therapies.

Back to top

Page updated April 2020

Published: 22nd October, 2019

Updated: 7th June, 2023

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Season 2 - Episode 1: New Horizons for Osteoarthritis Patients

    Season 2 - Episode 1: New Horizons for Osteoarthritis Patients

  • Managing the Challenges of Pain - Part 2

    Managing the Challenges of Pain - Part 2

  • Managing the Challenges of Pain - Part 1

    Managing the Challenges of Pain - Part 1

  • Aqua Flex Class

    Aqua Flex Class

    Starts Wednesday 13th September 2023 at 8pm and runs until early December.

Related

  • Tofacitinib

    Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) is a type of drug known as a JAK inhibitor, and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

  • Baricitinib

    Baricitinib (Olumiant) is a type of drug known as a JAK inhibitor, and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Cannabis oil (CBD)

    CBD oil is a type of cannabinoid mixed with another oil such as coconut or hemp. There is currently not enough evidence based research to support using cannabinoids in reducing musculoskeletal pain.

  • DMARDs

    Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) belong to the second group of drugs and are used to treat inflammatory arthritis. Most DMARDs act by regulating the immune system.

  • Ustekinumab

    Ustekinumab (Stelara) is a type of biologic therapy. It is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 12 years and older and psoriatic arthritis in adults.

  • Tocilizumab

    Tocilizumab (RoActemra) is a type of drug called a biological therapy. It can be prescribed for people with rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

  • Sulfasalazine

    Sulfasalazine is a type of drug known as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It is used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and arthritis associated with bowel inflammation.

  • Secukinumab

    Secukinumab (trade name Cosentyx) is a type of biological therapy and can be prescribed for adults with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

  • Steroid tablets

    Steroids reduce inflammation which helps ease pain and reduce stiffness. They are used to treat any inflammatory arthritis. They can be given in tablet form or as an injection.

  • Rituximab

    Rituximab (MabThera, Blitzima, Ritemvia, Rixathon, Riximyo, Ruxience, Truxima) is a type of drug called a biological therapy. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis and dermatomyositis

Most read

  • Stop the Pain. Start the Cure.

    Stop the Pain. Start the Cure.

    How to leave a legacy or gift in your will to Arthritis Ireland

  • Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of all types of arthritis. It usually develops gradually, over several years, and affects a number of different joints. The cause is unknown, but it does appear more in females than males.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a very common type of inflammatory disease. The body’s natural defences (the immune system) attacks certain parts of the body instead of protecting it. This auto-immune reaction occurs mainly in the joints, but can affect vital organs too.

  • Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is a syndrome associated with widespread pain and fatigue. There are no outward signs of the condition but fibromyalgia symptoms include severe pain, fatigue and stiffness.

  • Covid-19 (coronavirus)

    Covid-19 (coronavirus)

    Important information about Covid-19 (coronavirus) for people living with arthritis

  • Inflammation Nation Podcast - Season 2

    Inflammation Nation Podcast - Season 2

  • Job opportunities

    Job opportunities

  • Newly diagnosed

    Newly diagnosed

    Being diagnosed with any type of arthritis can be a scary and confusing time for people. You will most likely have many questions about your condition and how it will affect you.

  • Amitriptyline

    Amitriptyline (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride, Astilin) belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Although they are still used to treat anxiety and depression, they are also now widely used at lower doses to help block the chronic (long-term) pain of some rheumatic conditions.

  • Psoriatic arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease - a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause pain, swelling and sometimes damage to any joint in the body.

Tag cloud

#powerof10 appeal arthritis Arthritis Ireland christmas Corporate power of 10 RA Vhi Women's mini marathon virtual challenge
Helpline and online supports

Helpline and online supports

Our helpline and online support is a confidential service that can provide you with support on a whole range of issues. Read more

Published: 22nd October, 2019

Updated: 27th March, 2023

Author:

Support Our Work

Support Our Work

Donate to Arthritis Ireland and help us to continue providing supports and services to people with arthritis.

Bank transfers can be made to: Arthritis Ireland, AIB Bank, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, IBAN: IE37 AIBK 9310 6300 1641 11, BIC: AIBKIE2D Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 15th August, 2021

Updated: 3rd August, 2023

Author:

Comments: 1

Getting the most from your medical appointments

Getting the most from your medical appointments

It is important to know the right questions to ask your doctor, how to discuss your symptoms with them and how to follow-up on your appointments. Read more

Published: 13th June, 2022

Updated: 13th July, 2023

Author: Peter Boyd

Newly diagnosed

Newly diagnosed

Being diagnosed with any type of arthritis can be a scary and confusing time for people. You will most likely have many questions about your condition and how it will affect you. Read more

Published: 23rd August, 2022

Updated: 28th March, 2023

Author:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the name given to several forms of arthritis in children and teenagers under 16. It is an auto-immune condition, and while it principally affects the joints, it may also affect other organs including the eyes. Read more

Published: 16th March, 2023

Updated: 11th August, 2023

Author: Peter Boyd

Vhi Women's Mini Marathon 2023

Vhi Women's Mini Marathon 2023

Support Arthritis Ireland at the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon 2023. Click here to find out how you can support us. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2023

Updated: 11th August, 2023

Author: Sabrina Morris

EULAR Edgar Stene Prize

EULAR Edgar Stene Prize

The EULAR Edgar Stene Prize 2024 is awarded to the best essay submitted by a person with arthritis writing about how treating their condition has influenced their hopes for the future. Read more

Published: 28th March, 2023

Updated: 1st September, 2023

Author: Stephen Lee

Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is systemic disease, that can affect many different parts of your body. Cells and antibodies, which are in the blood to defend the body against infection, begin to attack it instead and cause inflammation. Read more

Published: 19th May, 2023

Updated: 11th August, 2023

Author:

Living Well with Arthritis (and Related Conditions) Self-Management Programme

Living Well with Arthritis (and Related Conditions) Self-Management Programme

Read more

Published: 19th July, 2023

Updated: 21st September, 2023

Author: Clíodhna Connaughton

Arthritis Ireland
1 Clanwilliam Square
Grand Canal Quay
Dublin 2
D02 DH77

Talk to us:
01 661 8188 / 0818 252 846

Helpline

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Linkedin

RCN: 20011123; CHY: 6297; CRO: 78931

  • Contact us
  • Jobs
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookie policy
  • Complaints policy

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])




This website is supported by the following companies. The content and views expressed on the website are those of Arthritis Ireland, not of the sponsors.

MSD logo

Manage Cookie Preferences