The functioning of generic drugs has been well‑established within the health care system for many years, however biosimilar drugs are still a relatively new phenomenon. Both groups of medicinal products fulfill a very significant role within the pharmaceutical policy and reimbursement system, stimulating competition among producers and providing opportunities to expand and modernize a therapeutic offer. The reform of reimbursement system in Poland has led to its improvement in many ways, however there is still a space for utilizing competition among producers more fully. This report is illustrated with examples derived from lists of reimbursed drugs.

Key words: generic drugs, biosimilar drugs, pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical policy.