Biosimilars vs Biologics: Key Differences, Benefits & Future Trends Explained
In modern medicine, biologics and biosimilars are transforming treatment paradigms for many chronic, complex, and life-threatening diseases. Yet, confusion remains among patients, healthcare professionals, and policy makers about what biologics are, how biosimilars relate to them, their safety, regulatory pathways, interchangeability, cost implications, and global market dynamics. This article clarifies the differences between biologics and biosimilars, explains their scientific, regulatory, clinical, and economic dimensions, and explores future trends. What are Biologics? Definition & Characteristics • Biologics (also called biological medicines, biopharmaceuticals, or biologic drugs) are medical products derived from living organisms — human, animal, microbial cell lines — or produced using biotechnology. • These products include monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines, gene therapies, cell therapies, blood or blood components, growth factors, hormones, etc. ...