Biosimilars

Mylan presents comparability data for trastuzumab biosimilar

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/07/2016

Generics giant Mylan Pharmaceuticals (Mylan) presented robust data from its biosimilar trastuzumab programme at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting ASCO 2016 held in Chicago, USA on 3–7 June 2016.

Real-world safety data for epoetin alfa biosimilar

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/07/2016

A 2-year post-marketing study of the epoetin alfa biosimilar Binocrit has found the biosimilar to be safe in daily clinical practice, according to the authors [1].

Health Canada approves Inflectra biosimilar for extra indications

Biosimilars/News | Posted 24/06/2016

US-based generics maker Hospira, now part of Pfizer, announced on 14 June 2016 that its infliximab biosimilar Inflectra had received approval from Canada’s medicines regulator, Health Canada, in three extra indications.

Biosimilar rituximab in biological naïve rheumatoid arthritis patients

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 24/06/2016

Cost remains a major constraint in the use of originator biologicals in rheumatology in developing countries, paving the way for ever increasing usage of biosimilars. However, apart from the cost, their efficacy and safety are of tremendous interest to clinicians in both developing and developed worlds.

Insulin biosimilar meets primary endpoint in phase III studies

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 24/06/2016

US pharma giant Merck announced on 13 June 2016 positive results from two phase III studies evaluating its insulin glargine biosimilar (MK-1293).

Improvement in uptake of biosimilars in Spain

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 17/06/2016

Author Ainhoa Aranguren Oyarzábal and colleagues from the Madrid Health Service (MHS), Spain found that there has been an increase in the uptake of biosimilars in Spain since indicators were introduced [1].

Immunogenicity of biologicals: the role of post-translational modifications

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 17/06/2016

Although produced under strict quality control(s) nascent endogenous proteins and glycoproteins (P/GP) are structurally heterogeneous and subject to further structural changes throughout their in vivo life cycle. A nascent polypeptide chain may be subject to co-translational modifications (CTMs) as it is extruded from the ribosome tunnel, e.g. the addition of oligosaccharide; edited for correct folding and initial oligosaccharide processing within the endoplasmic reticulum and subject to post-translational modifications (PTMs) during passage through the Golgi apparatus. The functional activity of a P/GP may be dependent on further chemical modifications (CMs), e.g. deamidation, enzymatic cleavage. These heterogeneities are compounded when determining the structure of a purified P/GP because further CMs may be introduced during its isolation, purification and characterization [1].

Alvogen opening biosimilars plant in Iceland

Biosimilars/News | Posted 17/06/2016

Iceland-based biopharmaceutical company Alvotech, a sister company of US generics company Alvogen, is set to open its state-of-the-art 11,800 square meter development and manufacturing facility for biosimilars in June 2016.

Effectiveness of ESAs in treating anaemia in kidney disease and cancer patients

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 10/06/2016

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are biological analogues of human erythropoietin used for the treatment of anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients [1]. ESA biosimilars have been available on the Italian market since 2007. However, only limited post-marketing data exist on the comparative effectiveness of biosimilar and originator ESAs in routine care.

Biosimilars of eculizumab

Biosimilars/General | Posted 10/06/2016

Last update: 20 October 2017

Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is a terminal complement inhibitor. It is used to treat people with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), for whom it improves quality of life but does not appear to affect the risk of death. It is also indicated for the treatment of patients with atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) – a disease that primarily affects kidney function – to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy.