What is the difference between small molecule generics and large molecule biosimilars?
Replied byKiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Founder & Executive Chairperson at Biocon
Niche: Health & Wellness
Revenue: Approx. $172 Million/month
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Started: 1978
Generics are copies of small, chemically synthesized molecules like aspirin, which have simple structures. Biosimilars are copies of large, complex proteins produced by living cells, like monoclonal antibodies. Because proteins fold into complex shapes, copying them requires high-level biotechnology.
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