Association calls for more biosimilar cancer therapies in Europe

Cancer biosimilars are slow to enter European drugs markets even after the branded products have gone off-patent, according to the Association of European Cancer Leagues.

The association, which facilitates collaboration between different cancer organisations across Europe, published the “ Let’s talk Access” white paper yesterday, October 10.

Despite advances in cancer treatments over the past few decades, access and affordability of innovative therapies remain a challenge in Europe, the white paper noted.

The association said that greater biosimilar development is necessary to reduce the costs associated with cancer treatments and open up patient access to them. However, the uptake of biosimilar cancer therapies after patent expiry has been slow, it added.

This is partially due to a lack of knowledge about biosimilars on the part of treatment providers and patients, as it stops informed decision-making in relation to using the products. The association called for better communication and education on the use of biosimilars to overcome this hurdle.

The white paper also noted that, even where biosimilars do exist, the price of treatments “highly” depends on the number of manufacturers offering a given therapy.

As such, for medicines where there is only one generic or biosimilar manufacturer, the price of that treatment tends not to be too different to the price of the branded drug.

The association has urged policy makers and stakeholders to work together to enable equal access to high quality cancer treatments, to improve the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients.

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