Opening the 16th Biosimilar Medicines Conference, Keith Ridge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer of NHS England illustrated how 3 biosimilar medicines (Infliximab, Etanercept and Rituximab) have increased access to treatment for patients while lowering overall cost of treatment in important therapy areas.
Carol Lynch, President Sandoz US, Head of North America and Chair of the Biosimilar Medicines Group at Medicines for Europe, commented: “With 12 years of positive experience and a wealth of confirmatory data on biosimilar use, we are now focused on sharing best practice to increase access to biosimilar medicines. Germany and the UK have been pioneers in launching biosimilar medicines projects and their healthcare systems and their patient community have seen the benefits of increased access and sustainability. We need to build on this to expand the biosimilar opportunity globally.”
Biosimilar medicines are an essential part of healthcare provision in Europe today. Europe will continue to play a leading role in shaping a sustainable regulatory framework regionally and globally to promote greater access to essential therapies for auto-immune diseases and cancer. The Biosimilar Medicines Group has pioneered this development and supports greater global cooperation for future development.
