EU member states are being urged by the European Commission to cooperate more closely on pricing and reimbursement, managed access deals and policies to promote generics and biosimilars.

There is no doubt that biologics are the leading growth engine of global medicine spending. According to recent figures, revenues from biologics increased by 70% during 2011-2016 to reach $232bn, accounting for roughly 20-22% of total pharmaceutical spending. But as to the question of whether biosimilars can offer a solution to this affordability issue, that is tougher to answer.

With an eye on moving to market its broad pipeline of innovative brands, Pfizer has cut development of five early-stage biosimilar assets, in a decision that will affect 150 staff. The move is not reflective of Pfizer's overall commitment to biosimilars, the US-based company maintains.