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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Switching to biosimilars in oncology is paying off — literally. A new JAMA Oncology study found that payers spent nearly $3,800 less per month on patients using biosimilars exclusively versus reference biologics, while patients saved around $40 per month out-of-pocket. The findings bolster the case for broader insurance coverage of biosimilar cancer drugs.
Biosimilars are making a meaningful dent in cancer treatment costs, according to a large retrospective study published in JAMA Oncology. Researchers analyzed Medicare and commercial insurance data from 2019 to 2024 for three major anticancer biologics — bevacizumab, rituximab, and trastuzumab — and their biosimilar counterparts, tracking over 14,600 patient-drug pairs.
The results were clear: biosimilars are gaining ground and bringing prices down with them. The average sales price for biosimilars dropped 12.4% per year, compared to just 3.8% for reference products. Reference biologics also lost roughly 30% of their market share annually, signaling a steady shift in prescribing patterns.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: With cancer treatment costs already a major burden on patients and the healthcare system, biosimilars offer a concrete path to savings without compromising care. The study authors are calling for broader insurance policies that actively promote biosimilar use in oncology.
