The publication of this infographic was supported by SANDOZ.
Rheumatology
HCPs may hold concerns about prescribing biosimilars.1
Long-term, real-world, post-approval safety data have concluded that for Sandoz biosimilars, the overall benefit-risk profile is favourable and consistent with the respective reference biologic.1
Sagi S et al. Drug Saf. 2023;46(12):1391-404.
European Medicines Agency (EMA). 2023. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/leaflet/biosimilars-eu-information-guide-healthcare-professionals_en.pdf Last Accessed: 23 March 2026.
IQVIA. 2021. Available at: https://www.iqvia.com/library/white-papers/the-impact-of-biosimilar-competition-in-europe-2021. Last Accessed: 2 March 2026.
IVQIA. 2023. Available at: https://secure.constellation.iqvia.com/OmintropeReport. Last Accessed: 9 December 2025.
de Mora F. BioDrugs. 2019;33(4):353-6.
International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Agencies (ICMRA). Available at: https://icmra.info/drupal/sites/default/files/2019-07/ICMRA_statement_about_confidence_in_biosimilar_product_HCP.PDF Last Accessed: 2 March 2026.
Sandoz Group AG. Sandoz Integrated Annual Report 2025. Available at: https://www.sandoz.com/investors/annual-report/. Last Accessed: 2 March 2026.
Aapro M et al. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2025;25(8):887-98.
Li E et al. Abstract 2111. ACR Convergence, 24-29 October, 2025.
Khan AA et al. Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2026; 1-11. doi: 10.1080/14712598.2026.2703142.
HCP: healthcare professional; ICUR: incremental cost-utility ratio; PMO: postmenopausal osteoporosis; QALY: quality-adjusted life year; RWE:real-world evidence; vs: versus.
Access and Affordability: First Real-World Evidence on Sandoz Denosumab▼
Denosumab Biosimilar UK SmPC can be found here.
Adverse Events Reporting can be found at the bottom of this infographic.
BIOSIMILARS CAN IMPROVE ACCESS TO MEDICINES AND REDUCE COST1
Biosimilars are biological medicines with an identical amino acid sequence along with structural and functional similarity to an already-approved medicine.1
Biosimilars are approved according to the same standards of pharmaceutical product quality as the already-approved medicine.1
THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DENOSUMAB: A RISK-BASED ANALYSIS9
Women with PMO are at a significantly increased risk of fractures.9
Biosimilar denosumab is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men at increased risk of fractures.9
Methods9
Results and Conclusion9
The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of biosimilar denosumab vs bisphosphonates and no intervention in women with PMO.
Using a Markov cohort model, women were stratified into four fracture-risk groups from 1–4, going from lowest to highest risk.
Model inputs were estimated from publicly available data and literature, encompassing baseline fracture risks, drug efficacy, administration costs, and utility values.
Costs, QALYs, and ICUR were calculated from a USA payer perspective.
FIRST RWE: PATIENT SATISFACTION WHEN SWITCHING FROM REFERENCE TO SANDOZ BIOSIMILAR DENOSUMAB10
In Canada, a cross-sectional, non-interventional study assessed patient satisfaction among adults with osteoporosis who switched from reference denosumab to biosimilar, in the first RWE on Sandoz biosimilar denosumab.10
In data obtained from 435 patients:10
Primary endpoints were to assess overall patient satisfaction with the switch and to provide insights into the perceived importance of economic benefits of biosimilars and increased patient access.10
overall satisfaction rate with the switch from reference denosumab to biosimilar denosumab.
References & Abbreviations
References & Abbreviations
Biosimilars can offer advantages to patients and healthcare systems. Having biosimilar alternatives available improves access to treatment and reduces cost, so that more patients can be treated.2-6
Since the early 2000s, Sandoz (Basel, Switzerland) has obtained approval for
13 marketed biosimilars across nearly 100 countries.1,7
Osteoporosis represents a significant public health challenge, with high associated morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.8
Effective treatment options exist, yet economic and access barriers mean many patients receive inadequate therapy and experience poor outcomes.8
Results and Conclusion9
Methods9
ICURs:
As fracture risk increases, ICUR for denosumab compared to bisphosphonates and no intervention decreases.
In patients with PMO, relative to willingness-to-pay thresholds, denosumab is cost-effective for patients in risk categories 2, 3, and 4 when compared to bisphosphonates and no intervention.
reported receiving information in advance of their switch from reference to biosimilar denosumab.
were satisfied with their doctor’s explanation of the switch.
personally valued the greater affordability of biosimilar denosumab.
Originator
Biosimilar
