365Telugu.com online news,New Delhi, April 8th, 2025: The Council for International Economic Understanding (CIEU), a New Delhi-based think tank, has called for a more supportive policy environment to promote the use of biosimilars in India. According to a new CIEU report, biosimilars—cost-effective alternatives to expensive biologic therapies—could significantly reduce the financial burden of advanced treatments like cancer care for Indian patients.
The report highlights that India’s healthcare system is heavily reliant on out-of-pocket spending, with about 63% of total health expenses paid directly by individuals as of 2022. This has pushed an estimated 32–39 million people below the poverty line each year, creating an urgent need for more affordable treatment options.
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The growing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases in India has further strained the system. As of 2022, nearly 42% of Indian adults and elderly individuals reported having at least one chronic condition, with hypertension and diabetes being the most common. Diseases like cancer are becoming more widespread, demanding accessible and cost-effective treatment solutions.
The report underscores the value of biosimilars—medicines that are nearly identical to already approved biologics but are sold at a lower cost. CIEU states that biosimilars can transform healthcare delivery in India by making life-saving treatments for cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases more affordable, accessible, and sustainable.
However, the report also raises concerns about patent evergreening, where pharmaceutical companies make minor changes to existing biologics to extend their patents and delay competition. This practice hinders the availability of biosimilars, keeping treatment costs high. While India’s legal framework has made strides in curbing such tactics, CIEU notes that barriers still exist in ensuring timely market access for biosimilars.
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“Biosimilars are essential for reducing the cost of treating chronic illnesses in India. Ensuring their availability can improve access to advanced therapies for millions and strengthen the overall healthcare system,” the report concludes.