MS Biologics, Biosimilars, Traditional Drugs, and Generics: A Clear and Simple Comparison

Overview

Traditional drugs and generics are a lot like white sugar, and biologics and biosimilars are like honey! This is the comparison that neurologist and MS specialist Dr. Kristin Galetta makes to make understanding generics and biosimilars easier.

Biologics and biosimilars, like honey, can have small differences in them due to the process of making them having different variability factors. Biologics are made from living organisms, which means their biosimilars go through more extensive testing to make sure the outcome is similar.

Traditional drugs and their generics, like white sugar, are manufactured in a standardized way. Traditional drugs have very little variability due to how it is produced, making it easier to create a similar product, the generic.

Both biosimilars and generics are effective and safe due to these processes and testing. The two types of medications just have different journeys to become approved.

Thank you to our generous sponsor for making this content possible, Sandoz.