Today, the European Commission published a Q&A for patients on biosimilar medicines. This important document provides a unique information resource for patients and healthcare professionals in support of a better understanding of the key scientific aspects related to biosimilar medicines as an alternative therapeutic option, and its role in generating greater access to high quality treatments for all patients across Europe.
Further to the EC Consensus paper on Biosimilar Medicines (adopted in 2013), and responding to a need for patient-friendly and reliable information on biosimilar medicines, this new document comes as an extension of the joint stakeholder work achieved so far. The Q&A is written by and for patients and aims to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding alternative therapeutic options. The Q&A consists of a joint stakeholder document developed with the support of Medicines for Europe, EFPIA, EuropaBio, EPF, CPME, the European Commission and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to educate patients on biological medicines, including biosimilar medicines.
Adrian van den Hoven, Medicines for Europe Director General highlighted that: “The European Commission has once again shown its leadership in improving information for stakeholders with this Q&A for patients. Building trust is important to promote more access to biosimilar medicines. The expanding use of biosimilar medicines ensures an increased access to treatment for patients and encourages competition”. He added: “We strongly encourage the European Commission to continue fostering competition in the biologic market and the use of biosimilar medicines in the medical practice as a way to contribute to the sustainability of healthcare systems”.
Note: This Q&A is an initiative by the European Commission Directorate General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG Grow) on access to biosimilar medicines in Europe, in relation to the Corporate Responsibility Programme. It was developed by a joint stakeholder group: Medicines for Europe, EFPIA, EuropaBio, EPF, CPME, the European Commission and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).