Biosimilars

WHO launches consultation on prequalification of biosimilars

Biosimilars/General | Posted 15/09/2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in September 2017 that it would be launching its pilot project for prequalifying biosimilars in October 2017. The step is intended to make ‘some of the most expensive treatments for cancer more widely available in low- and middle-income countries’.

Sanofi receives tentative FDA approval for insulin lispro biosimilar

Biosimilars/News | Posted 15/09/2017

Pharma giant Sanofi announced on 1 September 2017 that it had received tentative approval for Admelog, its insulin lispro biosimilar, from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Positive phase III results for Amgen’s trastuzumab biosimilar

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 15/09/2017

Biotech giant Amgen and partner Allergan announced on 9 September 2017 positive data from a phase III study of their trastuzumab biosimilar (ABP 980) compared to Herceptin (trastuzumab).

Positive phase I results for rituximab biosimilar CT-P10 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 15/09/2017

Rituximab is an established anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of some haematological cancers and immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CT-P10 (Truxima) is the first biosimilar of the rituximab reference product and was approved in Europe for all licensed RTX indications in February 2017 [1]. A phase I randomized controlled trial (RCT) of CT-P10 versus reference rituximab in patients with active RA demonstrated that the two drugs had equivalent pharmacokinetics after a single course of treatment and that their efficacy, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and safety were comparable up to Week 24 [2]. To allow comparison of CT-P10 versus reference rituximab, patients in the same phase I trial received a second course of treatment and were evaluated for efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and other clinical data for up to 72 weeks. These data demonstrate that the clinical profile of CT-P10 is comparable to reference rituximab in patients with RA over an extended treatment duration [3].

Two trastuzumab biosimilars submitted to FDA

Biosimilars/News | Posted 15/09/2017

Two different groups announced that their trastuzumab biosimilars had been successfully submitted to the US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) for review.

Strategies of players on the global biopharmaceutical market

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/09/2017

With many expensive and high-selling biologicals losing patent protection and other exclusivity rights, biosimilars of these molecules may now enter the market, resulting in a shift of market shares, revision of strategies of companies and attraction of new players to the biopharmaceutical market.

EC approval for three rituximab biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 08/09/2017

On 13 July 2017, three rituximab biosimilars, Blizima, Rituzena (previously Tuxella) and Ritemvia, received European Commission (EC) approval.

Boehringer Ingelheim starts phase III interchangeability trial for adalimumab biosimilar

Biosimilars/News | Posted 08/09/2017

Germany-based Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals (Boehringer Ingelheim) announced on 27 July 2017 that the first patient had been enrolled into the phase III VOLTAIRE‑X interchangeability study of its adalimumab biosimilar (BI 695501). The company says the trial ‘is the first study in the US to investigate an interchangeability designation for an adalimumab biosimilar candidate’.

Biological drug evolution: improved awareness and pharmacovigilance required

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/09/2017

The safety profile of established biological drugs can alter over time following changes to manufacturing processes. However, healthcare professionals are often unaware of changes and there is a need for improved pharmacovigilance, according to a report published by researchers in Scotland, UK [1].

FDA approves adalimumab biosimilar Cyltezo

Biosimilars/News | Posted 01/09/2017

On 25 August 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its second biosimilar version of AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab).