Biosimilar Examples: What They Are and How They Compare to Brand Drugs

When you hear biosimilars, biologic drugs that are highly similar to an already approved reference product, but not identical because they come from living cells. Also known as biologic generics, they offer the same clinical benefits as expensive brand-name biologics at a fraction of the cost. Unlike regular generics—which are made from chemicals—biosimilars come from living organisms like yeast or bacteria. That’s why they can’t be exact copies, but they’re close enough to work the same way in your body. The FDA requires them to match the original in safety, purity, and potency before they’re approved.

These drugs aren’t just theory—they’re already helping people. Adalimumab biosimilars, like Hyrimoz and Cyltezo, are used for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, and they’ve cut prices by up to 70% compared to Humira. Insulin biosimilars, such as Basaglar and Semglee, give diabetics affordable alternatives to Lantus and Levemir. Even cancer treatments like trastuzumab biosimilars, including Ogivri and Herzuma, offer the same outcomes as Herceptin for breast cancer patients. You won’t find them in every pharmacy yet, but they’re growing fast—especially as more patents expire.

What’s tricky is that biosimilars aren’t the same as generic drugs. Generics are exact copies of small-molecule pills, like metformin or lisinopril. Biosimilars are complex, large molecules that can’t be copied exactly. That’s why they’re called "similar," not "identical." But here’s the good news: they’re not riskier. Studies show they work just as well and have the same side effect profile. Pharmacists can swap them in unless your doctor says otherwise—and in many cases, they already are.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world stories and facts about how these drugs are changing treatment. You’ll see how therapeutic equivalence is tested, why some doctors still hesitate to prescribe them, and how patients are saving hundreds—or even thousands—each year. There’s also coverage of authorized generics, drug interactions, and how to spot counterfeit versions. This isn’t just about science. It’s about access, cost, and making sure you get the right treatment without paying more than you have to.