Almita vs Infliximab: Key Differences and Treatment Guide

In recent years, biological therapies have transformed how we treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Among these, Infliximab has been a trusted name for decades. A newer alternative called Almita—a biosimilar to Infliximab—is gaining attention because it offers similar benefits at a lower cost. Let’s explore how these two medicines compare in terms of how they work, effectiveness, safety, availability, and price so you can understand what might work best.

What Are Biologic Therapies and Why Do We Need Them?

Biologic therapies are medicines made from living cells that target specific parts of the immune system. They’re instrumental in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

One key player in these diseases is a molecule called Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Think of TNF-alpha as a fire alarm that triggers inflammation to fight infections. However, this alarm stays stuck in the “on” position in autoimmune diseases, causing unnecessary inflammation that damages tissues.

Drugs like Infliximab and Almita block TNF-alpha, helping to calm the immune system and reduce disease symptoms.

What Is Infliximab?

Infliximab, known by the brand Remicade, among others, was one of the first TNF-alpha blockers approved in 1998. It’s a “chimeric monoclonal antibody,” which combines mouse and human proteins to create a medicine that explicitly targets TNF-alpha.

What Conditions Does Infliximab Treat?

Infliximab is commonly prescribed to manage several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Plaque psoriasis

How Is It Given?

Infliximab is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion, usually at a hospital or clinic. The dose depends on your condition and body weight. Each infusion can take about two hours. After an initial set of doses, it is typically given every 6 to 8 weeks.

What Is Almita?

Almita is a biosimilar to Infliximab. Biosimilars closely resemble the original biologic medications—they share nearly identical structures, function in the same way, and have comparable safety and effectiveness. The difference is that biosimilars come after the original medicine’s patent expires, making them generally more affordable.

Almita has undergone thorough testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness match those of Infliximab. It’s approved in many countries and used to treat the same diseases as Infliximab.

How Do Almita and Infliximab Compare?

Feature	Infliximab	Almita (Biosimilar)
Type	Original biologic drug	Biosimilar to Infliximab
Structure	Chimeric monoclonal antibody	Highly similar antibody
Approval	FDA approved in 1998	Approved after patent expiry
Cost	Higher cost	About 20-30% less expensive
Clinical Evidence	Extensive global data	Proven equivalent in studies
Availability	Widely available worldwide	Available in select regions
Safety (Immunogenicity)	Known risks, monitored	Similar risk profile

Effectiveness: Are They Equally Good?

Multiple clinical trials have shown that Almita works just as well as Infliximab in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. For example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with Almita showed the same improvements in joint pain and inflammation as those on Infliximab—similarly, people with Crohn’s disease or psoriasis experience comparable benefits.

Safety and Side Effects

Both medicines share similar side effects, including:

• Infusion-related reactions like fever or rash
• Increased risk of infections due to immune suppression
• Headaches or nausea

There’s also a chance of developing antibodies against the drug (called immunogenicity), which can reduce how well it works. This risk is the same for both drugs, so your healthcare team will monitor you closely during treatment.

Cost and Accessibility

One of Almita’s most significant advantages is affordability. While Infliximab can cost between $1,200 and $2,000 per dose, Almita is typically 20 to 30 percent cheaper. This difference can make a huge impact, especially for patients in countries or healthcare systems with limited resources.

Thanks to biosimilars like Almita, more patients can access effective biologic treatments without breaking the bank.

What About Patient Experience?

Almita and Infliximab are given via IV infusion, which can be time-consuming but necessary for this type of medicine. Since their administration is almost identical, patients usually choose between them based on availability, cost, and doctor recommendations.

Regulatory Approvals and Switching Between Drugs

Medications like Almita, which are biosimilars, undergo comprehensive testing to confirm they match the original drug in terms of quality and performance. In some places, pharmacists can even switch a patient from Infliximab to Almita without needing a new prescription, depending on local rules.

Doctors typically decide whether to switch patients based on their stability, treatment costs, and preference.

Real-World Use and Doctor Opinions

Many doctors support using biosimilars because they maintain quality care while reducing expenses. Real-world evidence shows that patients switching from Infliximab to Almita generally do well without losing disease control.

Challenges to Consider

• Patient hesitation: Some patients worry about switching due to a lack of familiarity. Education and open conversations help overcome this.
• Monitoring: Careful treatment effectiveness and side effects tracking are essential, especially after switching.
• Availability: Almita may not be available everywhere, but its reach is growing.

In Summary: Which One Should You Choose?

Aspect	Infliximab	Almita
Effectiveness	Well-established, effective	Just as effective
Safety	Proven safety profile	Similar safety
Cost	More expensive	More affordable
Accessibility	Global availability	Expanding availability
Patient Impact	Trusted but costly	Greater access due to price

Both Infliximab and Almita offer powerful treatment options that can help control autoimmune diseases and improve quality of life. Choosing between them depends on your doctor’s advice, health needs, and budget.

FAQs About Almita vs Inflimzi

If you or a loved one are considering these therapies, talk openly with your healthcare team to find the best, affordable option tailored to your needs.