biosimilar

[ bahy-oh-sim-uh-ler ]

noun

1. a biopharmaceutical that is very similar, but not identical, to a previously manufactured one:

   Do the biosimilars require fewer clinical trials?

adjective

1. of or relating to biopharmaceuticals that closely resemble previously manufactured ones:

   biosimilar products; biosimilar medicine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of biosimilar¹

First recorded in 2000–05; bio(pharmaceutical) ( def ) + similar ( def )

Example Sentences

Announced in 2019, CalRX is the state’s effort to contract with generic and biosimilar drug makers to offer cheaper versions of insulin and other medications.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, the cost of the drug, which is now an off-patent, generic and 'biosimilar' medicine, has fallen considerably from around £15,000 to around £3,000 per patient per year.

From Science Daily

Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Amgen's biosimilar version of Johnson & Johnson's blockbuster psoriasis treatment, Stelara, for multiple inflammatory diseases.

From Reuters

Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Amgen's biosimilar version of Johnson & Johnson's blockbuster psoriasis treatment, Stelara, for multiple inflammatory diseases.

From Reuters

The company is expected to face fresh competition that year from the first biosimilar versions of it blockbuster psoriasis treatment Stelara.

From Reuters