Innovator Biologics, Biosimilars, and Biobetters

The salient language of innovator biologics, biosimilars, and biobetters are introduced, which deals with specific issues in greater detail pitched at pharmacists, doctors, and patients. Significant differences exist between biologic medicines including innovator biologics, biosimilars, and biobetters compared with chemically synthesized or isolated small molecule drugs and their generics. Biologics and biosimilars are in a different league to their chemical pre-predecessors in terms of molecular complexity and natural variability. Access to medicines, including substitution, interchangeability, and the importance of identification is also included. Many initiatives and organizations with interest in broader adoption of biosimilars have come into being, driven by governments and/or private organizations and agencies including patient advocacy groups. The chapter intends to provide the reader with significant terms that are used in biologic medicine literature internationally.