Why Employers Should Pay Attention to Biosimilars for Infusion Therapy

In recent posts, I highlighted  8 ways to reduce spend and took a closer look at  how to implement a home infusion program. One recurring theme when discussing rising specialty drug costs is the significant financial burden represented by biologics.

Biologics are complex, highly effective drugs derived from living organisms and used to treat chronic and serious conditions. However, their complexity often comes with high costs, making them a significant driver of healthcare expenses. For employers seeking a cost-effective alternative, biosimilars present a growing opportunity to reduce spend while maintaining quality care.

What Are Biosimilars?

Biosimilars are FDA-approved drugs designed to be nearly identical to biologics in structure, function and effectiveness. Unlike generic drugs, which are exact chemical copies, biosimilars are produced through complex processes that replicate the therapeutic effects of biologics. Importantly, biosimilars undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the same safety and efficacy standards as their biologic counterparts.

The key takeaway is this: biosimilars provide a clinically equivalent alternative at a significantly lower price.

Why Employers Should Care

Biosimilars offer employers a unique opportunity to reduce infusion therapy costs while maintaining the same high standard of care for their employees. By understanding the growing adoption of biosimilars and their cost-saving potential, employers can make more informed decisions that benefit both their budgets and their workforce.

• Cost Savings Potential Biosimilars can cost 15-30% less than biologics, translating to substantial savings for employers. Considering that biologics often make up the largest share of specialty drug spend, the shift to biosimilars represents a major opportunity to reduce costs without compromising employee health outcomes.
• Growing Adoption and Market Expansion The biosimilars market is expanding rapidly, with new products approved each year for a variety of conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders and chronic diseases. This growth provides employers with more options to incorporate biosimilars into their healthcare plans, ensuring employees receive effective treatments at a fraction of the cost.
• Improved Access to Care High-cost biologics can limit access for some employees, either due to coverage restrictions or high out-of-pocket costs. By promoting biosimilars, employers can make treatments more accessible, improving adherence and overall health outcomes.

How Employers Can Promote Biosimilars

Successfully integrating biosimilars into an infusion therapy program requires strategic planning and collaboration. Employers can drive adoption by educating stakeholders, optimizing plan design and partnering with experienced providers who understand the nuances of biosimilar transitions.

• Educate Employees and Providers
• Incorporate Biosimilars into Plan Design
• Partner with the Right Providers
• Leverage Predictive Analytics

The Bottom Line

Biosimilars are more than just a cost-saving tool—they are a gateway to improved access, better adherence, and sustainable healthcare strategies. Employers who embrace biosimilars now will be better positioned to navigate the growing complexity of infusion therapy costs while supporting employee health.

To dive deeper into this topic and discover more actionable insights for managing infusion therapy costs, explore our whitepaper, Controlling Infusion Spend: Six Critical Considerations for Employers.