A review on the use of biosimilars in the treatment of rheumatoid arthrities

Abstract

Biosimilars are biological agents that are very similar to their reference product but follow a separate regulatory framework and marketing strategy and usually include interferons, interleukins, growth factors, hormones and monoclonal antibodies. The implementation of biologics as targeted treatment strategy, significantly improved health condition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to other conventional therapies. In this study, the biosimilars that can be used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis have been highlighted and an insight on its importance in terms of patient accessibility and affordability provided. The treatment algorithm of biosimilars and the guidelines followed for it to be prescribed to such patients have also been mentioned in this study. Moreover, the role of molecular docking and drug repurposing in discovering biosimilars and minimizing the development task of a lead molecule considering the growing demand for these biological agents worldwide have been discussed in this study.