FDA clears first ever 'biosimilar' drug, paves way for cheaper drugs

New York

THE US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first so-called biosimilar drug for use in the US, paving the way for less expensive alternatives to an entire class of complex and costly drugs.

The drug, called Zarxio, produced by Sandoz, helps prevent infections in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. It is a close copy of an existing medication called Neupogen, made by Amgen.