Biosimilars

Positive phase III results for Samsung Bioepis’ Soliris biosimilar

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/07/2022

Samsung Bioepis announced that its biosimilar to Soliris (eculizumab) has comparable efficacy and safety and is bioequivalent to the originator.

EMA recommends approval of bevacizumab biosimilar Vegzelma

Biosimilars/News | Posted 01/07/2022

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 24 June 2022 that it had recommended granting marketing authorization for the bevacizumab biosimilar Vegzelma.

Adalimumab biosimilar MSB11022: PK and tolerability of autoinjector versus pre-filled syringe

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/07/2022

The antitumour necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF‑a) monoclonal antibody adalimumab is used to treat a variety of chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The biosimilar MSB11022 (Idacio/Kromeya) has demonstrated physicochemical and functional similarity to reference adalimumab (Humira) in the preclinical setting. Further study in the clinical setting has established equivalent pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy, and comparable safety and immunogenicity for MSB11022 versus adalimumab. MSB11022 is available in three delivery formats: pre-filled syringe, vial and autoinjector. Offering a choice of devices can address patient needs and potentially improve adherence to therapy. Self-injection via pre-filled syringes may be challenging for some patients, due to issues such as needle phobia, pain-related concerns and arthritis hand pain making self-injection more difficult. The availability of alternative self-injection devices allows patients to select a device that suits their needs.

American Academy of Ophthalmology biosimilars guidance details

Biosimilars/General | Posted 01/07/2022

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recognizes the potential societal value of biosimilars for improving care of patients with eye disease. Biosimilars should have sufficient research demonstrating their safety and effectiveness for treatment of eye disease. In January 2022, the AAO issued a policy statement on the biosimilars in ophthalmologic use [1].

No trends in biosimilars uptake levels in the US, reveals study

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 24/06/2022

There are no consistent trends in biosimilar uptake by order of market entry, care setting, or pricing, finds a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine [1]. In addition, biosimilar uptake is generally lower than that reported for generic drugs in the US.

FDA approves pegfilgrastim and rituximab biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 24/06/2022

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the pegfilgrastim biosimilar Fylnetra (pegfilgrastim-pbbk) and the rituximab biosimilar Riabni (rituximab-arrx).

Current status of monoclonal antibody biosimilars approved in Latin America

Biosimilars/General | Posted 24/06/2022

By the end of 2021, biosimilar antibodies of rituximab, trastuzumab, infliximab, adalimumab and bevacizumab were expected to be commercialized in Latin America with 25 different brand names.

Byooviz: first ophthalmology biosimilar launches in US

Biosimilars/News | Posted 17/06/2022

Biogen and Samsung Bioepis have launched Byooviz (ranibizumab-nuna) on the US market as the first ophthalmology biosimilar. It references Roche’s (Genentech’s) blockbuster therapy, Lucentis.

The impact of biosimilar insulins on public spending in Brazil

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 17/06/2022

The availability of insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease that increases with age, and its financial sustainability are of general concerns, especially for universal healthcare systems, such as the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) [1]. This is why similar biotherapeutic products (produtos bioterapêuticos similares, SBP) can be a cost reduction strategy in improving access to essential supplies for the population. These drugs demand less investment and acquisition cost [2].

Overview of monoclonal antibody biosimilars in Latin America

Biosimilars/General | Posted 17/06/2022

This article describes the current situation of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies in 10 countries of Latin America and their potential to reduce the cost of antibody therapies.