Overview of Biosimilars in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Biologic agents have proven to be revolutionary in terms of how we manage IBD. They are safe and effective and change the natural history of the disease, preventing irreversible complications and improving overall quality of life for our patients. With the high costs of medications and the skyrocketing costs of health care in general, measures must be taken to lower costs and make these life-altering medications available to a larger population. Biosimilars have made this possible. Health care providers should become accustomed to the process of their production, approval, and regulation so that they will become more comfortable with these agents and particularly with the concept of interchangeability. Possessing a strong understanding of these agents should prevent patient and physician anxiety when insurance companies force substitutions. © 2023 by The American College of Gastroenterology.