Biosimilar medicines are new biological medicinal products that have demonstrated similar efficacy and safety to an existing biological reference (‘originator’) product.
The NI managed entry mechanism is based upon assessment by recognised health technology appraisal bodies e.g. NICE or SMC. The position of NICE in respect of biosimilars is set out here. Given this position, where the originator product has been accepted for use in Northern Ireland, any biosimilar medicine will generally also be deemed ‘accepted for use’ in Northern Ireland. However each individual biosimilar medicine may not have its own entry on the managed entry web page
For example:
Lantus® (insulin glargine) is accepted for use in Northern Ireland. Abasaglar® is a biosimilar of insulin glargine and, although it is not specifically mentioned on the managed entry website, it is also accepted for use in Northern Ireland.
Please note: Biosimilar medicines should always be prescribed by brand name.