Biosimilars

Australia biosimilar approvals in early 2025

Biosimilars/News | Posted 06/05/2025

In early 2025, Australia's medicines regulatory agency, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), approved several biosimilars, including: Celltrion’s Stoboclo and Osenvelt (denosumab) and Eydenzelt (aflibercept), and Sandoz’s Tyruko (natalizumab).

Australia approves ustekinumab biosimilar Uteknix

Biosimilars/News | Posted 30/04/2025

Australia’s medicines regulatory agency, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), approved Alvotech/Cipla’s ustekinumab biosimilar, Uteknix, on 11 February 2025.

Chinese biosimilars go global: growth, partnerships, and challenges

Biosimilars/General | Posted 30/04/2025

Chinese biosimilars have gained global traction, with companies like Henlius and Bio-Thera securing international approvals. Despite challenges, China’s innovation and partnerships position it as a key biopharmaceutical player.

EC approves eight biosimilars, six more await final authorization

Biosimilars/News | Posted 22/04/2025

The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for eight biosimilars: Biocon’s Yesintek,Celltrion’s Avtozma, Eydenzelt, Osenvelt and Stoboclo; Samsung Bioepis’ Obodence and Xbryk, and CuraTeQ Biologics’ Zefylti in February 2025.

EMA recommends approval for three biosimilars: Jubereq, Osvyrti, and Qoyvolma

Biosimilars/News | Posted 11/04/2025

On 27 March 2025, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted positive opinions, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for three biosimilar medicines: Accord’s Jubereq and Osvyrti (denosumab), and Celltrion’s Qoyvolma (ustekinumab).

How the WHO is expanding access to biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 11/04/2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted its role in expanding global access to biosimilars in a February 2025 feature article, ‘Biosimilars: expanding access to essential biologic therapies’ [1].

FDA biosimilar approvals in March 2025: Bomyntra, Conexxence, and Omlyclo

Biosimilars/News | Posted 07/04/2025

In March 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three biosimilars: Omlyclo (omalizumab-igec), the first and only biosimilar designated as interchangeable with Xolair, as well as Bomyntra and Conexxence (denosumab-bnht), which reference Xgeva and Prolia (denosumab)

Stelara biosimilars enter US market with 85% discount in 2025

Biosimilars/General | Posted 28/03/2025

In February 2025, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Alvotech announced the availability of Selardsi (ustekinumab-aekn) in the US, followed by Sandoz’s Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe). These two products are biosimilars to the originator drug, Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara (ustekinumab).

Canada approves pegfilgrastim biosimilar Pexegra

Biosimilars/News | Posted 21/03/2025

On 25 February 2025, Health Canada granted marketing authorization to India-based Kashiv BioSciences for its pegfilgrastim biosimilar, Pexegra, which references Amgen’s Neulasta (pegfilgrastim).

IFPMA publishes position on pharmacy-mediated substitution for biosimilars

Biosimilars/General | Posted 21/03/2025

In January 2025, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) published a position paper, ‘Pharmacy-mediated substitution for biosimilars’.

Optimizing costs with biosimilars: Brazil's case

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/03/2025

The adoption of biosimilars, biological drugs similar to reference medications, has emerged as a pivotal strategy for reducing healthcare costs while maintaining efficacy and safety. A review by Azevedo, VF, et al.examines how Unimed Maringá, a private healthcare provider in Brazil, implemented a biosimilar management programme, achieving significant cost savings and broader patient access to essential therapies [1].

Insulin aspart and denosumab biosimilars approved in US

Biosimilars/News | Posted 12/03/2025

In February 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sanofi-Aventis’ Merilog (insulin aspart-szjj), referencing NovoNordisk’s NovoLog (insulin aspart); and Samsung Bioepis’ Ospomyv and Xbryk (denosumab-dssb), referencing Amgen’s Prolia and Xgeva, respectively. Additionally, the FDA granted a provisional determination of interchangeability designation for both Ospomyv and Xbryk with its reference medicines.

The ustekinumab shift: biosimilars displace Stelara’s market leadership

Biosimilars/General | Posted 12/03/2025

The ustekinumab market is heating up as biosimilar developers aggressively challenge the dominance of Stelara, Johnson & Johnson’s blockbuster drug for autoimmune diseases. With eight biosimilars approved in Europe and seven in the US, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.

Biosimilars in low- and middle-income countries

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 05/03/2025

Biosimilars offer a viable route to treatment for those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A review article published in GaBI Journal titled ‘Increasing adoption of quality-assured biosimilars to address access challenges in low- and middle-income countries,’ offers insights into the benefits of biosimilars for better access to biologics in LMICs, focusing on data from selected emerging markets (Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Taiwan, and Turkey).

FDA approves tocilizumab biosimilar Avtozma

Biosimilars/News | Posted 05/03/2025

On 24 January 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tocilizumab biosimilar, Avtozma (tocilizumab-anoh). Celltrion’s Avtozma (tocilizumab-anoh)/CT-P47 is a biosimilar referencing Roche/Genentech’s Actemra/RoActemra (tocilizumab).

Brazilian law establishes December 16 as National Biosimilar Day

Biosimilars/General | Posted 05/03/2025

On 6 January 2025, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned Law 15.087/25, officially declaring December 16 as National Biosimilar Drug Day in Brazil. The law, published in the Official Gazette of the Union, aims to raise awareness about the importance of biosimilars in the healthcare system.

January 2025 biosimilar approvals in Europe

Biosimilars/News | Posted 25/02/2025

On 30 January 2025, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted positive opinions, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for for three biosimilar medicines: Dyrupeg (pegfilgrastim), Pavblu (aflibercept) and its duplicate Skojoy (aflibercept).

EC approves eight biosimilars, eight more await final authorization

Biosimilars/News | Posted 18/02/2025

The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for eight biosimilars: Sandoz’s Afqlir, Formycon’s Ahzantive/Baiama, Accord Healthcare’s Absimky and Imuldosa, Samsung Bioepis’ Opuviz, Midas Pharma’s Ranibizumab Midas, and Prestige Biopharma’s Tuznue during September 2024 to January 2025.

Canada approves first omalizumab biosimilar Omlyclo

Biosimilars/News | Posted 06/02/2025

On 6 December 2024, Health Canada approved Celltrion’s Omlyclo (CT-P39) omalizumab biosimilar – the first and only omalizumab biosimilar currently available in Canada. The product is a biosimilar of Novartis’ Xolair.

Positive safety and efficacy primary endpoint results for AVT05 (golimumab proposed biosimilar)

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 28/01/2025

In November 2024, at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024, Alvotech shared the positive results of the primary endpoint of their comparable safety and efficacy study for their golimumab proposed biosimilar, AVT05 [1]. This is a biosimilar candidate to Janssen Biotech’s anti-inflammatory drug product, Simponi.

EMA recommends approval for tocilizumab biosimilar Avtozma and filgrastim biosimilar Zefylti

Biosimilars/News | Posted 28/01/2025

On 12 December 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for two more biosimilars: Celltrion’s Avtozma and CuraTeQ Biologics’ Zefylti.

Ustekinumab biosimilars Yesintek, SteQeyma, and Otulfi approved by FDA, EMA and Health Canada

Biosimilars/News | Posted 21/01/2025

In late 2024 and early 2025, multiple ustekinumab biosimilars, including Yesintek, SteQeyma, and Otulfi, which are biosimilars referencing Janssen/Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Stelara, received regulatory approvals in the US, Europe, Canada, and the UK, expanding treatment options for Crohn’s disease, psoriasis related conditions, and ulcerative colitis.

Are interchangeable biosimilars at risk?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/01/2025

In the US, the interchangeability designation earned by some biosimilars, now allows them to be substituted at pharmacy level, without physician approval. This has bolstered patient and physician confidence in these products, boosting their uptake. However, study published in GaBI Journal now examines how misinformation about interchangeable biosimilars undermines US health policy, physician confidence, and patient health [1].

EMA recommends approval for four denosumab biosimilars: Obodence, Osenvelt, Stoboclo, Xbryk

Biosimilars/News | Posted 15/01/2025

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion recommending the granting of marketing authorization for four denosumab biosimilars: Obodence and Xbryk (SB16), developed by Samsung Bioepis, on 14 November 2024, and Stoboclo and Osenvelt (CT-P41), developed by Celltrion, on 12 December 2024. These biosimilars are based on Amgen’s reference products Prolia and Xgeva, respectively.

Comparative efficacy studies: where are we now?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/01/2025

In an article published in GaBI Journal titled ‘Comparative efficacy studies of biosimilars: data versus theoretical risks, beliefs, and comfort’ [1], Professor Pekka Kurki, a Clinical Immunology Professor at University of Helsinki, Finland and a member of the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea), explores the current position on biosimilar efficacy studies held by medicines agencies across the globe.

EMA recommends approval of three aflibercept biosimilars: Ahzantive, Baiama, and Eydenzelt

Biosimilars/News | Posted 08/01/2025

On 14 November and 12 December 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending the granting of marketing authorization for three aflibercept biosimilars: Baiama, its duplicate, Ahzantive, and Eydenzelt.

Canada approves first tocilizumab biosimilar Tyenne

Biosimilars/News | Posted 03/12/2024

On 11 October 2024, Health Canada approved Fresenius Kabi’s tocilizumab biosimilar, Tyenne – the first and only tocilizumab biosimilar currently available in Canada – which references Roche’s Actemra/RoActemra (tocilizumab).

Pertuzumab biosimilar HLX11 meets primary endpoint in phase III comparative clinical study

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 03/12/2024

Shanghai Henlius Biotech and Organon announced on 30 September 2024 that their phase III comparative clinical trial for HLX11, an investigational biosimilar to Perjeta (pertuzumab), met its primary endpoint.

Uzpruvo/AVT04 biosimilar in profile

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/11/2024

Alvotech and STADA’s Uzpruvo/AVT04 is an ustekinumab biosimilar with similar efficacy, tolerability, safety and physicochemical and biological characteristics to Stelara, the reference product, as has been summarized in a recent study published in Clinical Drug Investigation [1].

EMA recommends approval for ustekinumab biosimilar Absimky and Imuldosa

Biosimilars/News | Posted 26/11/2024

On 17 October 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending the granting of marketing authorization for Accord’s Absimky and Imuldosa, both of which are ustekinumab biosimilars referencing Janssen/Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara.

Biologicals and biosimilars available for IBD in Canada

Biosimilars/General | Posted 26/11/2024

The GI Society (Canadian Society of Intestinal Research) recently published an updated list of originator biologicals and biosimilars used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), in Canada.

Biosimilar medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia

Biosimilars/General | Posted 20/11/2024

In recent years, biosimilar medicines have gained increased support and access in Australia through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), a government programme designed to subsidize essential medicines and make them affordable for all Australians. Biosimilars are versions of original biological medicines that are highly similar in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy but are generally more affordable.

Canada approves pegfilgrastim biosimilar Armlupeg

Biosimilars/News | Posted 20/11/2024

India-based Lupin Limited (Lupin) announced on 23 August 2024 that it received marketing approval from Health Canada for its biosimilar pegfilgrastim biosimilar, which will be marketed as Armlupeg.

FDA approves fifth ustekinumab biosimilar Imuldosa

Biosimilars/News | Posted 13/11/2024

On 10 October 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Accord’s Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf), making it the fifth ustekinumab biosimilar referencing Janssen/Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara.

SBR issues consensus on interchangeability of reference products and biosimilars

Biosimilars/General | Posted 13/11/2024

On 25 September 2024, the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia, SBR) shared its position and consensus on the interchangeability between reference products and biosimilars, a topic of great importance for clinical practice, especially in light of recent regulatory developments by Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ANVISA) and other international authorities.

EC approval for three ustekinumab biosimilars: Eksunbi, Fymskina, Otulfi

Biosimilars/News | Posted 05/11/2024

The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for three ustekinumab biosimilars: Samsung Bioepis’ Eksunbi on 12 September 2024; Formycon’s Fymskina, and Fresenius Kabi’s Otulfi on 25 September 2024.

FDA approves biosimilars: ustekinumab Otulfi and eculizumab Epysqli

Biosimilars/News | Posted 29/10/2024

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for two biosimilars, Formycon’s FYB202/Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz) and Samsung Bioepis’ Soliris biosimilar, Epysqli (eculizumab-aagh), on 27 September and 22 July 2024, respectively. FYB202/Otulfi, a biosimilar referencing Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara, while Epysqli is a biosimilar referencing Alexion’s Soliris.

EMA recommends approval of aflibercept biosimilars Afqlir and Opuviz

Biosimilars/News | Posted 23/10/2024

On 19 September 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of marketing authorization for two aflibercept biosimilars: Sandoz’s Afqlir and Samsung Bioepis’s Opuviz. These products are biosimilars of the reference product Eylea, developed by Regeneron and Bayer.

FDA approves second strength of trastuzumab biosimilar Hercessi

Biosimilars/News | Posted 23/10/2024

On 18 September 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for a second strength for Accord’s Hercessi (trastuzumab-strf), a biosimilar referencing Roche’s Herceptin.

FDA approves aflibercept biosimilars Enzeevu and Pavblu

Biosimilars/News | Posted 15/10/2024

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two more aflibercept biosimilars in August 2024. FDA granted approval for Sandoz’s Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv) and Amgen’s Pavblu (aflibercept-ayyh) on 12 and 23 August 2024, respectively, making them the fourth and fifth approvals for a biosimilar referencing Eylea.