For Providers
Creating sustainability & longevity for biosimilars
At AmerisourceBergen, we believe in the promise of biosimilars to expand choice, improve access, and increase affordability. We also understand the potential hurdles these unique products will face. That's why we offer solutions for increasing access to and confidence in these emerging therapies.
Defining biosimilars
What are biosimilars?
Biosimilars are biologics that are highly similar — yet not identical — to a reference product. Before a biosimilar goes to market, its manufacturer must conduct studies to show it is highly similar to the reference product. Biosimilar products go through a rigorous FDA approval process to make sure they are safe, pure, and effective. From a clinical perspective, there is no meaningful difference between a reference product and its biosimilar.
What is the difference between generics and biosimilars?
Biosimilars are not generics. Generics are exact copies of synthetic pharmaceuticals and the active ingredients must be the same as a brand name drug. Biosimilars are copies of biologics, which are medications made with living cells. They can have slight differences in clinically inactive components. The important thing to remember is there is no difference in how a biosimilar and its reference product treats your patients’ conditions.
What to know about biosimilars
Patients
Your patients may be uncertain about biosimilars. Yet, they trust you. You can help them understand that biosimilars are safe and effective. Patients can expect the same health outcomes if you prescribe or recommend a biosimilar instead of its reference product. Biosimilars can also save patients money as they often pay less out-of-pocket. As trusted advisors, physicians and pharmacists should recommend biosimilar use. Start a conversation with patients to answer their questions and build their trust.
Providers and pharmacists
As a provider, you make choices every day about what medications to prescribe or recommend. A biosimilar and its reference product will provide the same clinical results for your patients. We want you to feel confident in your decision to pick biosimilars for your patients. We are here to support you with innovative solutions to help increase access to emerging therapies, like biosimilars. You can help drive long-term stability in the biosimilars market. We provide easier access to biosimilars entering the market so you can make the best choice for your patients' care.
Additional Insights
Our network of provider and GPO solutions
Our market-leading specialty GPOs are comprised of a collective purchasing power that is unrivaled in the industry. Our GPO services—including thought leadership from the largest and most sophisticated community practices—deliver the strongest, most consistent contract performance in the industry, resulting in an engaged physician-led membership. We generate results for our members with the combined value of our relationships with leading manufacturers, our expertise in industry trends and our diverse contract portfolios.
Featured capabilities
AmerisourceBergen Specialty GPOs
Healthcare providers are integral to the health of people and communities
At AmerisourceBergen and through our global family of companies, we believe in accessible care in the most appropriate setting to meet the needs of the patient. This is why we serve all sites of care.
Specialty physician practices
We empower physician practices to deliver quality patient care today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. From access to life changing medicines, to actionable data insights and marketing-leading specialty expertise, we build partnership that help practices thrive.