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

Mexico and India, it has a portfolio of generic drugs, biosimilar treatments, over-the-counter health products and branded pharmaceuticals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Assuming the drug goes to market, Citi’s Meacham believes it’s “unlikely to be a meaningful share mover given the intensifying competitive landscape and approaching biosimilar headwinds” in the second half of the year.

From Barron's • May 18, 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

Swiss drugmaker Sandoz shares jumped after the company bumped up its revenue guidance thanks to growth in its biosimilar product range.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Related to that, we are going to have the mother of all generic and biosimilar drug cycles from 2026 to 2036.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026