Date published: 19 October 2026
Health teams across the North East and North Cumbria are helping patients understand how switching to biosimilar medicines can provide effective treatment while helping NHS funding go further.
Biosimilars are highly similar versions of existing biological medicines – treatments made using living cells or organisms to help manage a range of conditions, including arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
They work in the same way as the original medicine and must meet strict standards for quality, safety and effectiveness before they can be prescribed.
When patent protection on an original biological medicine end, other manufacturers can offer biosimilar versions. This increases competition and can help lower the price the NHS pays for treatment.
Professor Ewan Maule, director of medicines, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:
“Biosimilar medicines give us an opportunity to provide effective treatment while making better use of NHS funding.
“For patients, the important message is that these medicines meet strict standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. A lower price does not mean a lower standard of treatment.
“By working together across our hospitals, we can make every pound spent on medicines go further, helping to free up more resources for patient care.
"But any change should start with a conversation. We want patients to understand why a biosimilar is being recommended, what it means for them and who they can speak to if they have questions.”
Patients may be prescribed a biosimilar when starting treatment or offered a switch from an existing biological medicine. The decision will be based on their individual clinical needs and discussed with them by their healthcare team.
The medicine’s brand name, packaging or injection device may look different, healthcare teams will explain any practical changes and provide support, so patients feel confident using their treatment.
Professor Maule added:
"It is important that patients should continue taking their prescribed medicine unless their healthcare team advises otherwise.
"Anyone with questions about a proposed switch or concerns about their treatment should speak to their specialist, nurse, pharmacist or doctor."
The ICB is working with hospital trusts through the region’s Medicines Value Programme to increase the use of best-value treatments, including biosimilars, where clinically appropriate.
Launched in March 2025, the programme brings together clinical teams to share expertise, compare prescribing and identify opportunities to make better use of medicines funding.
In its first year, the wider programme delivered more than £18 million in value through a range of measures, including the use of biosimilars and generic medicines.
To help answer patients’ questions, the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative’s Medicines Value Programme, working alongside the ICB, has developed a short animation, 'Understanding your biosimilar medicine', with Innovation Fund support.
Created with input from clinicians, pharmacists and patients across the region, it explains what biosimilars are, why the NHS uses them and what a switch may mean - helping to provide a clear, consistent explanation to support conversations between patients and their healthcare team.
The animation is available with subtitles and can be watched on YouTube or through the Provider Collaborative’s biosimilar medicines webpage, which also includes answers to frequently asked questions.
Katie Joyce, medicines value programme lead, North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative, said:
"Patients told us they want clear information when they are offered a biosimilar medicine.
"This animation has been developed with patients, clinicians and pharmacy teams from across the region to help answer common questions and support informed discussions about treatment.
"By working together, through the Medicines Value Programme, NHS organisations can share expertise and provide consistent information for patients, while supporting the use of clinically appropriate, best-value medicines across the North East and North Cumbria."
Watch the animation here.
Read frequently asked questions here.
