Biosimilars hit a turning point as they expand outside oncology

The wave of biosimilars in oncology began with the EMA’s approval of the first antineoplastic biosimilar, Medice Arzneimittel Pütter’s Abseamed (epoetin alfa), in 2007. Oncology biosimilars currently account for the largest proportion of biosimilar therapeutics in the market. To date, the EMA has recommended the approval of 88 biosimilars, with 34 of those within oncology. Although the US was slower to join the biosimilar market, it quickly gained speed. The FDA has
currently approved 39 biosimilars, with 22 falling under oncology.