Biologics, Unbranded Biologics, and Biosimilars - What is the difference?

If you were recently diagnosed with a chronic disease, or use infusions or injectables to manage your health, you might be familiar with the term “biologic.”

Biologics are complex medications that pharmaceutical labs grow from living cells, but biologics can’t be digested like pills. If you are on a stable treatment plan and your prescribed infusion drug suddenly changes, you might feel frustrated and confused. And you might be wondering what this means for your health.

Although there are no biologic "generics," there are biosimilars, interchangeable biosimilars, and unbranded biologics. These differences are important to understand. Watch this video to empower yourself with understanding the impacts of your treatment plan so you can talk to your doctor and your insurance company about your best options for you.

Infusion Access Foundation (IAF) is a community of patients united to protect access to treatments that you get at a clinic, such as infusions and injections. We support each other across all diseases and advocate with one voice that reaches policy makers.