Biosimilars/General

Spanish Psoriasis Group update biosimilar position statement

Biosimilars/General | Posted 14/04/2023

The use of biosimilar drugs in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis has changed the current therapeutic approach. Evidence from clinical trials and real-world experiences has led to an update in the positioning of the Spanish Psoriasis Group (GPS) [1].

Challenges for Spanish generics and biosimilars industry: sustainable profitability

Biosimilars/General | Posted 31/03/2023

Spain's generics and biosimilars industry is calling for their profitability to be guaranteed after authorities lowered the reference prices of over 1,000 drugs.

Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi slash prices of insulin in the US

Biosimilars/General | Posted 23/03/2023

In March 2023, major insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly (Lilly), Novo Nordisk and Sanofi announced price reductions of 70%, 75% and 78% respectively, for their most commonly prescribed insulins in the US, starting from first quarter of 2023 for Lilly and from 1 January 2024 for Novo Nordisk and Sanofi. The three companies control over 90% of the global insulin market. 

American College of Rheumatology position statement on biosimilars updated

Biosimilars/General | Posted 16/03/2023

In late 2022, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) issued a position statement on biosimilars [1] in which they emphasized their strong belief that safe and effective treatments should be available to patients at the lowest possible cost. This is an update of previous position statements [2].

A Canadian gastro-enterologist’s view on advising on biosimilars

Biosimilars/General | Posted 28/10/2022

Acting as a ‘trusted advisor’ when answering questions about biological and biosimilar products is important for Canadian physician, Dr Dustin Loomes reported in a recent article.

Biosimilars of pembrolizumab

Biosimilars/General | Posted 14/10/2022

Pembrolizumab is a humanized (from mouse) monoclonal antibody that binds to, and blocks PD-1 located on lymphocytes. It is an anticancer medication used in the treatment of melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial cancer (cancer of the bladder and urinary tract) and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).

US PBMs add multiple Humira biosimilars to formularies

Biosimilars/General | Posted 03/02/2023

In the US it has been announced that several pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) will be adding multiple biosimilar versions of AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab) to their formularies in 2023.

Canada’s Ontario introduces biosimilars switching policy

Biosimilars/General | Posted 20/01/2023

The Canadian province of Ontario is the latest to introduce a biosimilars switching policy. Under the terms of the policy, Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) recipients who are on an originator biological will be required to transition to a Health Canada approved biosimilar version of the drug.

Key facts of biosimilars approval regulation in Brazil

Biosimilars/General | Posted 18/11/2022

This article provides a brief overview of the important aspects and an update on the regulatory pathways for approval of biological products in Brazil [1].

Canada’s Saskatchewan province introduces biosimilars switching policy

Biosimilars/General | Posted 04/11/2022

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan is the latest to introduce a biosimilars switching policy. As of October 2022, the province joins British Columbia (BC) [1], Quebec [2], Alberta, Ontario [3], New Brunswick [4], Nova Scotia [5], and the Northwest Territories [6] in introducing biosimilars switching policies.