Growing competition leads to price erosion in biosimilars in India

Industry feels that as the market for biologic drugs mature, rising affordability is likely to enhance patient access

Increasing competition in the Indian biosimilar drugs market has seen price erosion in some key ones. In some cases to the extent of 70 per cent, compared to those of the innovator drug. 

A biologic drug is produced from living organisms or contains components of living organisms, unlike chemical drugs. A biosimilar is a copy-cat of a biologic drug, once the patent period ends. The past four years saw at least 84 brand launches in the segment in India.

The industry feels as the market for biologic drugs matures, rising affordability is likely to enhance patient access. The price of therapy in