Biosimilars in India: More Affordable Biologics for Psoriasis

Yes, biosimilars are a real way to make biologic treatment for psoriasis more affordable in India. A biosimilar is a highly similar version of an approved biologic, and regulators accept it only when there are no clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness. In India, several adalimumab biosimilars are sold, and online pharmacies list them at a fraction of their printed MRP, so a treatment that once felt out of reach may now be worth discussing with your dermatologist.

If you are new to biologics, start with our complete guide to biologic treatment classes. This article focuses on one practical question: what biosimilars mean for your wallet and your safety.

What is a biosimilar, in simple words?

Most tablets, like paracetamol or methotrexate, are small chemicals. A generic version can be made exactly the same. Biologics are different. They are large proteins made inside living cells, so no company can make a perfect copy.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that a biosimilar is "highly similar" to the original biologic and has "no clinically meaningful differences" from it. That means you can expect the same safety and effectiveness over the course of treatment. The FDA also notes that a biosimilar is not safer or more effective than the original. It is the same medicine class, at a lower price. [1]

The US National Psoriasis Foundation puts it plainly: biosimilars are not generic versions of a biologic. Small batch-to-batch differences are expected even in the original brand, and the risks and side effects of a biosimilar are the same as those of its reference biologic. [2]

Biosimilar vs "similar biologic"

In India, the official term is "similar biologic". Doctors, chemists and news reports use both words. They mean the same thing.

Which biosimilars for psoriasis are available in India?

India was an early mover in biosimilars. Here is what we could verify tonight from published sources.

Adalimumab (the most widely available)

Adalimumab blocks TNF-alpha, a chemical messenger that drives inflammation in psoriasis. Zydus Cadila launched Exemptia in India on 9 December 2014. It was described as the first adalimumab biosimilar launched anywhere in the world. [3] At launch, the approved uses listed were rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. [3] Approved uses can change, so ask your doctor whether the specific brand you are offered is approved for plaque psoriasis.

Today, an Indian online pharmacy lists 13 adalimumab 40 mg brands from companies including Zydus (Exemptia), Torrent (Adfrar), Cipla (Plamumab), Hetero (Mabura), Reliance Life Sciences (Adalirel), Dr Reddy's (Amab), Alkem (Mabvinra), IPCA (Adalipca) and others. [4]

Etanercept and infliximab

A 2015 review by dermatologists at AIIMS, New Delhi, published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, recorded that Cipla launched an etanercept biosimilar (Etacept) in April 2013, expected to be about 30% cheaper than the original, and that an infliximab biosimilar (Infimab) was approved in December 2014. [5] Availability of these older launches can vary, so check with your doctor or chemist.

Newer targets: ustekinumab and secukinumab

Biosimilars of ustekinumab (an IL-12/23 blocker) are already approved in the US. [2] We could not confirm tonight whether ustekinumab or secukinumab biosimilars are on sale in India. If your dermatologist suggests one of these medicines, ask whether an Indian biosimilar is available.

How much do biosimilars cost in India?

Prices are the main reason people ask about biosimilars, so here are real numbers, with honest caveats.

Adalimumab 40 mg brand (company)	Printed MRP	Online price listed
Exemptia (Zydus)	₹23,437	₹6,875
Mabvinra (Alkem)	₹22,499	₹6,500
Plamumab (Cipla)	₹24,707	₹7,575
Adfrar (Torrent)	₹28,307	₹7,750
Adalipca (IPCA)	₹14,063	₹7,750
Mabura (Hetero)	₹23,438	₹8,250

Source: Medkart listing, checked 7 November 2026. [4] Prices change often and differ by city, pharmacy and scheme. Treat these as a rough guide only.

What does this mean per month?

Your doctor decides the dose and schedule. Adalimumab is commonly given every two weeks after the starting doses, which means about two syringes a month. Using the online prices above, that is roughly ₹13,000 to ₹16,500 a month for the medicine alone, plus doctor visits and blood tests. At full MRP it would be much higher.

Ways families in India reduce the cost

• Ask about patient support programmes. Many companies run schemes for discounts or free doses. Your dermatologist or the company helpline can tell you what is current.
• Government and teaching hospitals. AIIMS, PGIMER and state medical colleges may offer lower-cost access or alternative treatments.
• Compare chemists. MRP is the maximum, not the fixed price. Ask for the actual selling price.
• Check insurance. Some health policies cover biologics given in hospital or day care. Read your policy or call your insurer.

For other options at different price points, see our guides to apremilast in India and methotrexate for psoriasis.

Are biosimilars safe? What about quality?

Every biologic, original or biosimilar, affects the immune system. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that biologics and biosimilars can increase the risk of infection, and that screening for TB and other infections is needed before starting any of them. [2] This matters a lot in India, where TB is common.

The AIIMS review highlighted two points specific to biologics: [5]

• Immunogenicity: the body can sometimes make antibodies against a protein medicine, which may reduce how well it works. This is true of original biologics too.
• Pharmacovigilance: reporting side effects carefully, and knowing exactly which brand you used, helps catch rare problems early. Keep a note of the brand name and batch number of every injection.

Some experts have raised concerns that India's earlier approval process was not always as strict as Europe's. [3] That is one reason the rules are being updated.

India's new rules for similar biologics

In May 2025, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) released draft revised Guidelines on Similar Biologics to replace the 2016 version. The draft puts more weight on detailed laboratory (analytical and in-vitro) comparison with the original drug, and gives new guidance on when animal studies are needed. [6] Commentators note that, under defined conditions, large comparative efficacy trials could be waived, which may lower development costs and, over time, prices. [7][8] Supporters see this as a step towards global standards. Some critics have asked for clearer criteria. [8] We could not confirm tonight whether the final version has been notified.

For a wider view of treatment access in this country, read psoriasis in India: climate, care access and what's different.

Switching from an original biologic to a biosimilar

• Switch only with your dermatologist's advice. They will check how well your current medicine is working.
• Do not let a chemist substitute one brand for another without your doctor knowing.
• Keep the same injection schedule and blood-test plan unless your doctor changes it.
• Note any change in your skin, joints or side effects after switching, and report it.

Alongside any prescribed treatment, gentle daily skincare still matters. Fragrance-light moisturisers and mild cleansers help with dryness and itching. Our body psoriasis care range is steroid-free and is meant to support, not replace, the treatment your doctor prescribes.

When to see a doctor

If you are on a biologic or biosimilar, contact your doctor promptly if you notice:

• Fever, chills, a cough lasting more than two weeks, night sweats or weight loss (possible TB or other infection)
• Painful, red or pus-filled skin, or a wound that is not healing
• Burning urination, or any infection that is getting worse
• Redness, swelling or pain at the injection site that spreads or lasts several days
• Psoriasis spreading quickly, covering most of the body, or with pus-filled bumps
• Swollen, painful joints or morning stiffness
• If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or need a vaccine or surgery: tell your doctor before the next dose

Do not stop a prescribed biologic suddenly on your own. Talk to your doctor first.

FAQ

Is a biosimilar the same as a generic medicine?

No. A generic is an exact chemical copy. A biosimilar is a highly similar version of a protein medicine, tested to show no clinically meaningful differences from the original.

Which is the cheapest biologic for psoriasis in India?

Adalimumab biosimilars are currently among the most widely available. Prices change often, so compare current prices and ask about patient support schemes. The "cheapest" option also depends on what suits your disease and health.

Are Indian biosimilars as good as the original?

Biosimilars approved under proper regulatory review are expected to work like the original. Your dermatologist can tell you about the data behind a specific brand and its approved uses.

Can I switch from Humira to an Indian biosimilar?

Many patients can, but only under your dermatologist's guidance. Your doctor will plan the switch and monitor you afterwards.

Do I need TB tests before a biosimilar?

Yes. Screening for TB and other infections is needed before starting any biologic, including biosimilars.

Sources

1. US FDA. Biosimilars Basics for Patients (content current as of August 2024).
2. National Psoriasis Foundation. Biosimilars for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (updated March 2025).
3. GaBI Online. Adalimumab similar biologic launched in India (January 2015).
4. Medkart. Adalimumab 40 mg brands and prices (accessed 7 November 2026).
5. Gupta V, Khaitan BK. Therapeutic potential of biosimilars in dermatology. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2015;81:451-456.
6. Medical Dialogues. CDSCO issues draft guidelines for biosimilars for marketing authorization (May 2025).
7. Niazi SK. The revised Indian biosimilar guidelines finally bring rationality. Center for Biosimilars (May 2025).
8. Rao C. India's draft guidelines on biosimilar drugs can make treatments more accessible, affordable. ThePrint (July 2025).

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified dermatologist or Ayurvedic doctor for diagnosis and treatment.