The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission have published additional information material on biosimilar medicines, as part of their ongoing collaboration to improve understanding of biosimilars across the European Union (EU). A biosimilar is biological medicine that is highly similar in all essential aspects to a ‘reference’ biological medicine already authorised.

The new material includes an animated video for patients that explains key facts on biosimilar medicines and how EMA works to ensure that they are as safe and effective as their reference biological medicines. The video is available in eight European languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.

The newly available materials will be presented at the European Commission’s fourth multi-stakeholder conference on biosimilar medicines in Brussels on Friday, 14 September 2018. This conference aims to promote the exchange of information and expand patients’ and healthcare professionals’ knowledge on biosimilar medicines. The discussion will focus on three main topics: biosimilars in oncology, sustainable procurement and educational activities to improve understanding of biosimilars.