By Catherine Saez

The International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association has launched an information campaign on biosimilar medicines in order to raise worldwide understanding and acceptance of biosimilar medicines.

Biosimilar medicines are similar to already authorised reference biotherapeutics, with the same indications and effects. In a press release [pdf], the International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA) announced its information campaign, based on the IGBA biosimilar medicines public slide deck.

The IGBA is made up of associations in a range of countries in every region in the world.

According to the release, biosimilar medicines help treat complex diseases, such as cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, growth disorders and diabetes.

The European Union has approved the largest number of biosimilar medicines worldwide, “and has acquired considerable experience of their use and safety,” the release said. The IGBA believes that the European clinical experience with biosimilar medicines can “become a worldwide game-changer for access to medicines for certain complex medical conditions.”