Biosimilars vs Generic Medicines: What’s the Difference & Opportunity?
Introduction: Let’s Clear the Confusion In India, when we talk about affordable medicines, the first term that comes to mind is “generics.” But now, there’s another player gaining attention— biosimilars . Many people confuse these two. Are they the same? Can both replace expensive branded medicines? And more importantly, how can India—and especially pharmaceutical companies in Gujarat —lead this revolution? Let’s decode this in simple terms. What Are Generic Medicines? Generic medicines are like the copies of branded medicines. Once a branded drug's patent expires, other pharma companies are allowed to make a version of it. But don’t worry—they are not low-quality at all. They have the same chemical composition, dosage, strength, safety, and performance . In fact, as per Health Ministry data , generic drugs in India can cost up to 70–90% less than their branded counterparts. That’s a huge saving, especially in a country where over 60% of healthcare expenses are out-of-pocket . A...