Survey finds dermatologists still have questions about biosimilars
Facts at your Fingertips
By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer , November 1, 2025
According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, dermatologists are not embracing biosimilars over biologic agents to treat psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), citing safety concerns and other uncertainties (doi:10.36849/JDD.7755).
In a survey of 52 dermatologists, most of whom work in single-specialty group practices, one-fifth said they would not prescribe a biosimilar for an FDA-approved indication. Sixty-one percent of the group said they question the safety and efficacy of biosimilar interchangeability. Other notable concerns included uncertainty about state laws for substituting biosimilars for biologics (24%) and a lack of cost savings for patients (22%).
Considered a more cost-efficient treatment option for patients, the FDA has approved 11 biosimilars to treat psoriasis and HS. Of those biosimilars, one has been deemed interchangeable with its reference product — depending on state regulations, pharmacists can substitute biologics with interchangeable biosimilars without physician approval. Survey participants were more likely to prescribe interchangeable biosimilars versus non-interchangeable.
See the graphic below for a further breakdown of the survey’s results.
