Biosimilars

Bioavailability comparison of brand-name and generic acetylcysteine in China

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 04/05/2012

A study comparing brand-name and generic acetylcysteine in China by Liu et al has shown that the generics test formulation was bioequivalent to the originator drug [1].

EMA reviews its first biosimilar monoclonal antibody

Biosimilars/News | Posted 27/04/2012

According to EMA’s list of applications for new human medicines under evaluation by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use released in April 2012 the agency will be reviewing a new application for a biosimilar version of infliximab.

Study of biosimilar enoxaparins in Brazil

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 27/04/2012

Analysis of biosimilar enoxaparins available for clinical use in Brazil by the Laboratório de Tecido Conjuntivo in Brazil have shown that the biosimilar preparations of enoxaprain are similar to the originator drug [1].

Novartis versus the Indian patent system

Biosimilars/News | Posted 27/04/2012

The Indian patent system is once again under scrutiny as a final decision in the case of Novartis versus the Indian patent system is eagerly awaited by originator biologicals and biosimilars manufacturers alike. However, any decision on the case has been delayed until 10 July 2012.

Samsung to launch biosimilars by 2015 at half the current prices

Biosimilars/News | Posted 23/04/2012

South Korean electronics giant Samsung told the Financial Times that it plans to launch biosimilars by 2015 at half the prices that patients in Europe and the US currently pay.

Biocon opens new research centre

Biosimilars/News | Posted 23/04/2012

Indian biosimilars major Biocon, announced on 5 April 2012 the opening of a new state-of-the-art Integrated Research and Development Centre in Bangalore, India.

EMA publishes procedural advice for biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 13/04/2012

On 11 April 2012, EMA published a new document on regulatory procedural advice for biosimilars.

Biosimilars dilemma over reference products

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 13/04/2012

Global manufacturers of biosimilars have a dilemma on their hands concerning reference products. What to do to reduce the burden of data required in different countries and regions of the world to get their biosimilars onto the market?

Also noted on biosimilars: 13 April 2012

Biosimilars/General | Posted 13/04/2012

Palivizumab biosimilar successfully produced in plants
Biotechnology company iBio, self-professed leader in the plant-made pharmaceutical field, announced on 10 April 2012 that it had successfully used its iBioLaunch technology to produce biosimilar palivizumab in non-transgenic green plants.

This is the second monoclonal antibody that the company has successfully produced. Back in October 2011 the company announced the successful use of its technology to produce rituximab.

Source: iBio

Current and future issues surrounding biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 06/04/2012

Biological medicines are already becoming an increasingly important part of health care. With patent expiries on originator biological products, biosimilars are also increasingly become a part of this future [1]. In fact, by 2020 twelve of the top-selling biologicals will have lost patent protection, opening up an estimated US$24 billion in EU sales and US$30 billion in US sales [2].