What is biologic and biosimilar?
Biosimilars are the non-branded versions of the original biologic. Original reference biologics are usually more expensive because of the high cost of researching and manufacturing them, therefore biosimilars can be marketed once the patent on the original biologic has expired.
Biosimilars are comparable in terms of quality, safety and efficacy to their version of an approved original biologics but are more affordable.
Both biologics and biosimilars are one kind of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (called “DMARDs”). They reduce uncontrolled immune processes and inflammation in your joints, skin, muscles and gut. This improves symptoms, reduces flares, stops disease progression and improves quality of life.
The term "biologic" or "biosimilar" simply means the medications are derived from animal or human proteins and not from chemicals (like other medications). They are highly effective medications that have been used for years.
Guselkumab
Risankizumab
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)• Juvenile (children) arthritis• Multiple sclerosis (MS)• Psoriasis• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)• Scleroderma
Common > 10%
Infection such as cold, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis
Mild injection site reactions such as redness and pain
Uncommon 1-3%
Severe infection require hospitalisation
Severe infusion reactions
Rare < 1 in 1000
Tuberculosis (TB)
Shingles
Hepatitis B
Cancer of the blood, skin or lung
Immune diseases such as lupus-like syndrome
Biologics and biosimilars are given by subcutaneous injection (injected into fat tissue under the skin) or intravenous infusion (injected directly into a vein) because the proteins can be damaged by stomach acid if given by mouth. Infusions will require administration by a healthcare professional while self-injection can be performed by patient or caregiver at home.
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