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Biosimilars: is interchangeability the proof of the pudding?

Gregory T Moore and Charlotte Keung
Med J Aust 2021; 214 (3): . || doi: 10.5694/mja2.50912
Published online: 15 February 2021

While apparently non‐inferior to originator biologics, other factors need to be considered before switching

Biologic drugs are large monoclonal antibodies or genetically engineered proteins produced by live organisms. With highly specific targets, they have revolutionised the treatment of inflammatory, endocrine, and malignant conditions. However, these drugs are expensive, partly because of the complex and costly manufacturing processes required, partly because long periods of therapy are often needed.


  • 1 Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
  • 2 Monash University, Melbourne, VIC


Correspondence: gregory.moore@monash.edu

Competing interests:

Gregory Moore has received payment for advisory boards from AbbVie, BMS, Chiesi, Emerge, Gilead, Hospira, Janssen, Orphan, MSD, Pfizer, Shire, Takeda; speaker’s fees from AbbVie, Ferring, Janssen, Orphan, Pfizer, Roche, Shire, and Takeda; and research and educational support from AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Shire, and Takeda.

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