VICTORIA—British Columbia says it will save more than $96 million in its prescription drug program by expanding the use of so-called biosimilar drugs to treat diabetes, arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Health Minister Adrian Dix says biosimilar drugs are new versions of existing medications but cost anywhere from 25 per cent to 50 per cent less. Bioengineered drugs are the single biggest expense for public drug plans and in 2018, B.C. spent $125 million on three of the drugs that treat chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and Crohn’s disease. is the first jurisdiction in Canada to support the increased used of biosimilar drugs, which are safe and effective.

Source: thestar May 27, 2019 18:33 UTC