Biosimilars have been approved in the European Union since 2006 in the classes of erythropoietin (EPO), human growth hormone (HGH), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF). However, despite this fact the uptake of biosimilar in the EPO, HGH and G-CSF classes varies widely between countries and therapy areas.

This variation is mostly attributed to differences in the healthcare systems between different countries, but is also due to differing attitudes in the different countries, see Figure 1.

Biosimilars penetration in Europe varies from 0% for HGH in countries such as Belgium and Ireland to an incredible 100% for G-CSF in Croatia. In fact, Eastern Europe is leading the way in biosimilars penetration, perhaps driven by economic factors.

Editor’s Comment
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Related articles
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Biosimilar events from 2013 to 2015

Reference
1. Rickwood S. Perspectives on the evolving biosimilars landscape. 13th EGA-European Biosimilars Group Conference; 23–24 April 2015; London, UK.

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