Biosimilar Examples: What They Are, How They Work, and Which Ones Are Used Today

When you hear biosimilar examples, medications designed to be highly similar to complex biologic drugs already on the market. Also known as follow-on biologics, they aren’t copies like regular generics—they’re made from living cells, not chemicals, and must match the original in structure, function, and safety. These aren’t theoretical. In the U.S. and Europe, dozens of biosimilar examples are already being used every day to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic conditions.

They work because they’re built to match the biologic drugs, large, complex molecules made from living organisms like yeast or animal cells. Also known as reference biologics, these include drugs like Humira, Enbrel, and Remicade. Biosimilars don’t need to be identical—they just need to show no meaningful difference in how they work, how safe they are, and how often they cause side effects. The FDA and EMA require real-world data from clinical trials before approving any biosimilar. That means if a biosimilar is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s proven to work just like the original for that condition. And it’s not just about cost. For patients on long-term treatments like insulin or monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars mean fewer financial barriers and more consistent access. In countries like Germany and Canada, biosimilars have cut drug spending by 30% or more without increasing hospitalizations or adverse events.

Some of the most common biosimilar medications, FDA-approved versions of brand-name biologics that are now widely prescribed. Also known as biosimilar products, include infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra) for Crohn’s disease, adalimumab-atto (Amjevita) for psoriasis, and bevacizumab-awwb (Mvasi) for colorectal cancer. These aren’t experimental. Millions of doses have been given worldwide, and studies tracking patients for years show no drop in effectiveness or rise in serious side effects compared to the original drugs. Even more are coming—biosimilars for insulin, erythropoietin, and even newer cancer drugs are now entering the market. What’s clear is that biosimilars aren’t a future promise—they’re a present reality.

Some people still worry: "Is switching from the brand to a biosimilar risky?" The answer, backed by data from the NIH and multiple European health agencies, is no. Switching is safe. Many patients start on biosimilars from day one. Others switch after years on the original, and studies show no loss of control over their disease. The key is knowing which ones are approved for your condition and asking your doctor if one is right for you.

Below, you’ll find real posts that break down how these drugs are tested, what patients actually experience when they switch, and how regulators make sure they’re not cutting corners. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just trying to understand why your prescription cost dropped, this collection gives you the facts—not the hype.