The same and different

If you or someone you know is living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, you’ve probably heard about biologic treatments, those breakthrough drugs that have changed the game for many managing these conditions. But what about biosimilars the “generic” versions of biologics? Are they the same? Different?

What are biologic originators?

Biologic originators are the original superstar drugs developed using living cells, tailored to calm down the overactive immune system that causes psoriatic disease. Think of Humira (adalimumab), Stelara (ustekinumab), or Cosentyx (secukinumab). These are some of the well-known biologics helping many people to achieve a better quality of life. They’re made through complicated processes and have been rigorously tested to prove they work.

The close cousins

Now, biosimilars are like the look-alike cousins of these biologics. Because biologics are huge, complex molecules, it’s impossible to create exact copies, unlike simple chemical drugs. Biosimilars are made by different manufacturers after the original drug’s patents expire, and they’ve passed tough tests showing they’re just as safe and effective as their originators. Examples include Amgevita and Hyrimoz (biosimilar versions of Humira) and Kanjinti (a biosimilar of Stelara).

Why biosimilars matter?

Thanks to their simpler approval process and lower development costs, biosimilars are often less expensive. This means more people can get access to these treatments, and the NHS can offer them to patients without breaking the bank. The big win? Biosimilars give patients more choice and help make life-changing therapies more widely available.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Both biologics and biosimilars target psoriatic disease at its root cause, your immune system’s overactivity. Biosimilars aren’t exact copies but work just as well, with no meaningful differences in safety or effect. The NHS in the UK actively supports the use of biosimilars because they bring down costs and keep treatments accessible and sustainable. If you’re prescribed a biologic, your healthcare team might offer a biosimilar as a safe, effective, and budget-friendly option.

Common biologic and biosimilar names include:

• Biologic Originators: Humira (adalimumab), Stelara (ustekinumab), Cosentyx (secukinumab), Skyrizi (risankizumab), Taltz (ixekizumab)
• Biosimilars: Amgevita, Hyrimoz (adalimumab biosimilars), Kanjinti (ustekinumab biosimilar), Benepali, Erelzi (etanercept biosimilars)

Remember, whether the medicine is an originator or a biosimilar, it’s your doctor and healthcare team who ensure you get the best treatment tailored to you.

See our psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment pages.