Study Finds Biosimilar Use in Cancer Treatment Associated with Lower Costs

For both insurers and patients, biosimilar use is associated with significantly lower cost than using originator drugs.

Sept. 1, 2026

2 min read

Key Highlights

Biosimilars are associated with an average monthly cost reduction of $3,820 for insurers and $39.50 for patients.
Over half of patients (59.4%) used biosimilars exclusively during the first year of treatment, indicating growing acceptance.
Most patients begin treatment with biosimilars rather than switching from original biologics, suggesting initial adoption is key.
The federal policy enacted in 2009 facilitated the development and use of biosimilars, promoting competition and affordability.
Biosimilars offer a promising approach to lowering the financial burden of cancer treatment while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

6a971eb99297279014f975b5 Cancer Treatment

A new study found that the growing use of biosimilars in cancer treatment is associated with lower costs for both insurers and patients.

The findings showed that patients with cancer who exclusively used biosimilars had average monthly costs that were $3,820 lower for insurers and $39.50 lower out of pocket compared with patients who exclusively used the original branded biologic drugs. A federal policy was enacted in 2009 to establish an abbreviated regulatory pathway for biosimilars to increase competition, lower prices, and improve access to biologic treatments.

Researchers analyzed data from 14,655 patient-drug pairs involving patients with cancer who took biosimilars. 59.4% of patients exclusively used a biosimilar during the first 12 months of treatment, while 32.5% exclusively used the originator. About 6.9% of patients switched from the originator to a biosimilar, and 1.2% switched from a biosimilar to the originator. This suggests that biosimilars were adopted primarily by patients starting treatment rather than through switching patients who were already receiving the originator.

Patients who exclusively used biosimilars were associated with much lower monthly costs for insurers. Additionally, they had lower average monthly out-of-pocket costs. This all suggests biosimilars could help reduce some of the financial burden associated with cancer treatment for patients while creating savings for the healthcare system.