The Emperor’s New Clothes: Biosimilars and Cost in Oncology

Kevin Knopf, MD

The ASCO Post, 07/10/2017

Biosimilars are biologic products similar to the parent (branded) molecule in structure and function—such as erythropoietin and filgrastim (Neupogen).1 To truly bend the cost curve, we want to see a dramatic economic savings achieved as oncology biosimilars for rituximab (Rituxan), trastuzumab (Herceptin), and bevacizumab (Avastin)—the next expected oncology biosimilars—are introduced to the U.S. market.