Biobetters and biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease

Biological therapies have revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Among these, biosimilars and biobetters represent a growing area of therapeutic development. Biosimilars are nearly identical copies of original biologic drugs (reference products) with comparable safety, efficacy, and quality, but they offer the advantage of reduced costs and broader access. In contrast, biobetters, while based on existing biologics, are engineered to enhance certain properties such as efficacy, safety, or dosing convenience. Both biosimilars and biobetters play an increasingly important role in IBD treatment, expanding options for patients and helping to address economic challenges in healthcare systems. This review explores the clinical application, benefits, and challenges associated with biosimilars and biobetters in IBD, focusing on their role in achieving therapeutic goals while optimizing patient access and cost-effectiveness.