Real-world evidence of a successful biosimilar adoption program.

Biologics are medications that are effective treatments for many patients but have a high price that affects patients and healthcare systems. Biosimilars are medications that are nearly identical copies to an approved biologic medication and have been shown to have similar effectiveness and safety. As biosimilars have a lower price than the bio-originators, the use of biosimilars can help reduce healthcare costs. This article describes how Providence St Joseph Health, a large US nonprofit health system, encouraged the use of lower-cost biosimilars instead of the higher-cost bio-originators. Using several different tools, Providence St Joseph Health ensured that biosimilars are used wherever possible and has saved USD$26.9 million in 2 years.