Health teams across the North East and North Cumbria have been setting out the reasoning for biosimilar medicines.

Biosimilars are highly similar versions of existing biological medicines – treatments made using living cells or organisms to help manage a range of conditions, including arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.

They work in the same way as the original medicine and must meet strict standards for quality, safety and effectiveness before they can be prescribed.

Professor Ewan Maule, director of medicines, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “Biosimilar medicines give us an opportunity to provide effective treatment while making better use of NHS funding.

placeholder image — Professor Ewan Maule.

“For patients, the important message is that these medicines meet strict standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. A lower price does not mean a lower standard of treatment.

“By working together across our hospitals, we can make every pound spent on medicines go further, helping to free up more resources for patient care.

“But any change should start with a conversation. We want patients to understand why a biosimilar is being recommended, what it means for them and who they can speak to if they have questions.”

Patients may be prescribed a biosimilar when starting treatment or offered a switch from an existing biological medicine. The decision will be based on their individual clinical needs and discussed with them by their healthcare team.

“It is important that patients should continue taking their prescribed medicine unless their healthcare team advises otherwise”, added Professor Maule.

“Anyone with questions about a proposed switch or concerns about their treatment should speak to their specialist, nurse, pharmacist or doctor.”