Biological therapies: how can we afford them?

The article examines the reasons for the high cost of biological drugs and ways to increase access to biopharmaceuticals. It states that biological therapies come from living material and have a highly complex chemical structure. Some of the factors that contribute to the high cost of biological drugs include the complex manufacturing processes, high costs of research and development, and the perceived value of drugs to patients. Examples of hurdles faced by potential generic manufacturers of biological therapies are outlined.