The role of biosimilars in enhancing global access to psoriasis treatment

The introduction of biosimilars for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis has demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to those of originator biologics, with the potential to improve cost-effectiveness. We explored the potential for biosimilars to improve access to biologics for psoriasis, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where costs often limit access to originators. The analysis was based on a systematic review conducted as part of the submission process to include adalimumab and ustekinumab in the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List for psoriasis. Among the 17 studies included in the systematic review, we focused on those that provided data evaluating the cost and/or cost-effectiveness of biosimilars versus originators in the treatment of psoriasis. Two studies met the inclusion criteria. The first was a cohort-based Markov model, which showed that biosimilar adalimumab was cost-effective compared with the originator adalimumab for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The second, using a cost-per-responder model, found that the adalimumab biosimilar had the lowest cost-per PASI complete clearance (PASI100) responder among the anti-TNF therapies. Biosimilars have a key role in reducing costs and expanding treatment availability for patients with psoriasis. Further health economic studies focusing on psoriasis are required to demonstrate how biosimilars can improve access to biologics in this condition.