biosimilar

American  

[bahy-oh-sim-uh-ler] / ˌbaɪ oʊˈsɪm ə lər /

noun

1. a biopharmaceutical that is very similar, but not identical, to a previously manufactured one.

   Do the biosimilars require fewer clinical trials?

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adjective

1. of or relating to biopharmaceuticals that closely resemble previously manufactured ones.

   biosimilar products; biosimilar medicine.

Etymology

Origin of biosimilar

First recorded in 2000–05; bio(pharmaceutical) ( def. ) + similar ( def. )

Example Sentences

In 2024, Blue Shield created Pharmacy Care Reimagined to negotiate directly with drug companies to provide its members with better access to biosimilar medicines.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

So, the PBMs had every financial incentive to keep selling Humira rather than provide patients with a much less expensive biosimilar version of the medicine.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The South Korean biosimilar company’s operating profit could jump 42% to 1.657 trillion won, with revenue up 26%, this year, the DB analyst writes in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Revenue for Biogen’s rare disease treatments sank 16%, while biosimilar revenue fell 4%.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Competitors are expected to launch biosimilar versions of the drug in 2028, and analysts see Keytruda sales dropping 14% in 2029, and 19% in 2030.

From Barron's • Oct. 29, 2025