A New Era for Bone Health: Biosimilars Poised to Expand Access

LONDON, UK – December 02, 2025 – A significant shift in the treatment of debilitating bone conditions is underway across Europe, promising to make vital therapies more accessible and affordable for millions. This week, Accord Healthcare announced the launch of Osvyrti and Jubereq, two new medicines that mark a pivotal moment for patients with osteoporosis and cancer-related bone complications.

The drugs are ‘biosimilars’ to the widely used treatments Prolia and Xgeva. Their arrival, following the recent expiry of the originator’s patents, signals the dawn of a new, more competitive era in a market valued at over US$1.2 billion in Europe alone. For the more than 200 million people worldwide living with osteoporosis and countless others battling advanced cancer, this development is not just a footnote in a financial report; it represents tangible progress in the fight for equitable healthcare.

The Science of Similarity: Building Trust in New Therapies

For many patients and even some clinicians, the term ‘biosimilar’ can be unfamiliar. Unlike generic versions of simple chemical drugs, biosimilars are highly similar versions of complex biological medicines derived from living organisms. Their path to approval is exceptionally rigorous, designed to ensure they are just as safe and effective as the original therapy.

Accord’s new medicines, Osvyrti and Jubereq, underwent extensive evaluation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) before receiving approval in September. The process included head-to-head clinical trials comparing them directly to their reference products. For Osvyrti, indicated for osteoporosis, a Phase III study in postmenopausal women demonstrated comparable increases in bone mineral density and an equivalent safety profile. Crucially, the trials showed "no clinically meaningful differences" between the biosimilar and the originator drug, Prolia. Similarly, Jubereq, which is used to prevent serious bone problems in cancer patients, was proven to be bioequivalent to its reference, Xgeva.

This robust scientific validation is the bedrock of trust. It provides the assurance that patients can expect the same clinical outcomes from the new, more cost-effective alternatives.

"These biosimilars have the potential to provide a large number of patients with treatment alternatives that lessen cost as a barrier to accessing proven therapies," said Paul Tredwell, Global CEO of Accord Healthcare, in the company’s announcement. This commitment to expanding access is at the heart of the biosimilar movement, representing a strategic effort to balance innovation with affordability.

A Competitive Shift in a Billion-Dollar Market

The introduction of Osvyrti and Jubereq is not happening in a vacuum. It is part of a seismic shift in the pharmaceutical landscape. The patents held by Amgen for its blockbuster drugs, Prolia and Xgeva, expired in most of Europe on November 27, 2025, opening the floodgates for competition.

Accord Healthcare is a significant player, but it is one of many companies racing to introduce denosumab biosimilars. Industry giants like Sandoz (with its products Jubbonti and Wyost), Samsung Bioepis (Obodense), Celltrion (Stoboclo and Osenvelt), and Biocon Biologics (Vevzuo and Evfraxy) have also secured EMA approvals and are entering the market. This influx of competitors is poised to dramatically drive down prices.

For years, the high cost of biologic drugs has placed immense pressure on public healthcare budgets and limited patient access. The arrival of multiple biosimilars creates a competitive environment where healthcare systems can negotiate lower prices or benefit from automatic price reductions, freeing up vital resources. This is precisely the kind of market dynamic that can lead to widespread, systemic progress for public health.

The Human Impact on Osteoporosis and Cancer Care

Behind the market statistics and regulatory approvals are the personal stories of millions of individuals whose lives are profoundly affected by bone disease. Osteoporosis, often called a "silent disease," weakens bones to the point where they can fracture from a minor fall or even a sneeze. It affects an estimated one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50, leading to pain, disability, and loss of independence. Osvyrti works by blocking a protein essential for the formation of bone-resorbing cells, thereby increasing bone mass and strength and reducing the risk of devastating fractures.

For patients with advanced cancers that have spread to the bone, the challenges are even more acute. They face the risk of ‘skeletal-related events’ (SREs)—pathological fractures, the need for radiation to the bone, or spinal cord compression. These events are not only incredibly painful but also mark a significant decline in a patient's quality of life. Jubereq is indicated to prevent these SREs, helping patients maintain their mobility and reduce suffering during their cancer treatment. The ability to provide this proven therapy to more patients without the prohibitive cost is a monumental step forward in compassionate cancer care.

By making these treatments more affordable, biosimilars like Osvyrti and Jubereq directly impact people's ability to live fuller, less painful lives, whether they are managing a chronic condition like osteoporosis or navigating the immense challenges of advanced cancer.

A Welcome Relief for Strained Healthcare Systems

The ripple effects of this new competitive landscape extend far beyond individual patient benefits. National healthcare providers, like the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), are set to realize substantial savings. Projections suggest that the introduction of denosumab biosimilars could save the NHS over £40 million annually by 2026.

These are not just abstract numbers. Savings of this magnitude allow healthcare systems to reinvest in other critical areas—funding new treatments, hiring more nurses, improving diagnostic services, or expanding community health programs. In an era of aging populations and increasing healthcare demands, the efficiency gained through biosimilar adoption is essential for sustainability. As the prevalence of osteoporosis continues to rise with an aging global population, the availability of cost-effective, long-term treatments becomes a cornerstone of public health strategy.

Of course, the full potential of these savings depends on widespread adoption by physicians and acceptance by patients. Overcoming any lingering hesitancy about biosimilars requires continued education and clear communication about the stringent scientific standards they must meet. The strong endorsement from regulatory bodies like the EMA, combined with the growing body of real-world evidence, is progressively building the confidence needed for a successful transition. The launch of these new denosumab biosimilars represents a critical tipping point, demonstrating how market competition, guided by rigorous science, can ultimately serve the greater good by making life-changing medicine accessible to all who need it.