Biosimilars/Research

Biosimilars, are they comparable to their reference counterparts?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 18/11/2022

Biologicals such as rituximab and trastuzumab have improved treatment outcomes for many cancers. However, due to their high economic burden, ‘highly similar’ products known as biosimilars have been developed and used. Yet, there is still concern surrounding comparability of efficacy and safety between the biosimilar and its reference biological, especially regarding patients switching from the reference to the biosimilar.

The cost savings of non-medical switching in dermatology

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 04/11/2022

Non-medical switching is when a patients' therapy is changed due to reasons not linked to their health and can involve non-interchangeable drugs, potentially affecting the treatment outcomes.

Switching from adalimumab originator and ABP501 to SB5 in arthritis patients

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 28/10/2022

The introduction and availability of biosimilars entails a considerable increase in the patient access as well as a decrease in the patient cost. Thus, biosimilars could be the answer to the economic impact of the reference biological.

Updates for European Pharmacopoeia monographs for biotherapeutic products

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/10/2022

The European Pharmacopoeia produces monographs for biotherapeutic products that are publicly available and considered the standard for defining the quality of these medicines. A recent study published in GaBI Journal [1] examines whether the challenges posed by complex products such as the introduction of biosimilars, have been met by new elements that have been added to the monographs.

Recommendations for improving biosimilar regulations in Latin America

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 07/10/2022

The biosimilar regulatory scenario is very diverse and varies widely in the large group of Latin American countries. Authors Teran et al. presented some recommendations for making biosimilar regulations in Latin America more homogeneous and comprehensive [1].

Successful trials for Sandoz and Lannett biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 30/09/2022

On 19 September 2022, Sandoz announced positive results following its ROSALIA I/III clinical trial study for its proposed biosimilar denosumab. This follows the August announcement that Lannett Company successfully completed subject dosing in the clinical trial of its biosimilar insulin glargine.

Recommendations to address challenges to biosimilars in Latin America

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 23/09/2022

After reviewing the regulatory landscape for biosimilars [1] and access to biosimilars for cancer treatments in Latin America [2], authors Teran et al. advised several recommendations to address challenges related to poor access to biosimilars in Latin America healthcare systems.

Totality of evidence for biosimilar pegfilgrastim Ziextenzo

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 09/09/2022

Agarwala et al. have recently published a review on the totality of evidence (ToE) for the biosimilar pegfilgrastim Ziextenzo® (LA-EP2006) matching the European Union- (EU) and US-reference biological pegfilgrastim Neulasta® (marketed by Amgen) [1].

What does the designation of interchangeability for biosimilars in the US mean?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/09/2022

Biologicals have significantly improved patients’ quality of life, yet, access to these critical medicines are constrained due to cost and this is being exacerbated by the misperceptions around biosimilars. In particular, imprecise terminology has been applied to biosimilars, leading to the implication that biologicals designated as interchangeable by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are better biosimilars. The US is the only jurisdiction in the world with this additional designation from the regulator as an option for biosimilar sponsors to consider [1].

Access to biosimilars for cancer treatments in Latin America

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/08/2022

In many Latin America countries, patient access to biosimilars for cancer treatment remains restricted. In particular for patients with breast cancer and colorectal cancer, biosimilars can be a step further to increasing access to care [1].