Biosimilars

Celltrion updates on Remsima and Yuflyma

Biosimilars/News | Posted 08/04/2022

South Korean biotechnology company Celltrion announced two new data sets on the subcutaneous formulation Remsima (infliximab) in a number of conditions in March 2022. This followed the February 2022 announcement that the high-concentration version of Celltrion’s autoimmune disease biosimilar Yuflyma (adalimumab) has received approval from the European Commission.

Phase III trial evidence used in approval of ranibizumab biosimilar Byooviz

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/04/2022

Byooviz (SB11) is the first ranibizumab biosimilar approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) [1, 2].

Biocomparables approved in Mexico

Biosimilars/General | Posted 08/04/2022

In Mexico, biological products with expired patents are known as biocomparable biotechnology drugs (medicamentos biotecnológicos biocomparables). The regulatory body in charge of approving biocomparables is the Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios, COFEPRIS).

Trastuzumab biosimilar Kanjinti remains stable in polyolefin bags and elastomeric devices

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/04/2022

A study of the trastuzumab biosimilar ABP 980 (Kanjinti) finds that the compound remains stable in concentrated multi-dose bags and diluted in intravenous (IV) bags and elastomeric devices, providing preparation options to suit different global pharmacy practices.

Henlius makes deal with Getz Pharma for adalimumab copy biological

Biosimilars/News | Posted 01/04/2022

China-based drugmaker Shanghai Henlius Biotech (Henlius) announced on 23 February 2022 that it had entered into a licensing and supply agreement with Pakistan-based Getz Pharma for its adalimumab copy biological, Handa Yuan (汉达远; HLX03).

Consortium of US hospitals to manufacture and sell biosimilar insulin

Biosimilars/General | Posted 01/04/2022

A consortium of large US hospitals, through the non-profit company Civica Rx, are to manufacture and sell biosimilar insulin capped at US$30 per vial.

Are systematic switch studies for biosimilars necessary?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 25/03/2022

A recently published review [1] questions the need for systematic switch studies to demonstrate the interchangeability of biosimilars, suggesting the studies are becoming obsolete.

Canada approves ranibizumab biosimilar Byooviz

Biosimilars/News | Posted 25/03/2022

The ranibizumab biosimilar Byooviz (SB11), produced by Samsung Bioepis and commercialized by Biogen, received approval from Canada’s drug regulator, Health Canada, on 8 March 2022. This is the first ranibizumab biosimilar to receive approval in Canada.

FDA accepts application for interchangeability of adalimumab biosimilar Abrilada

Biosimilars/News | Posted 18/03/2022

US-based pharma giant Pfizer announced on 25 February 2022 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted for review the Prior Approval Supplement (PAS) to the Biologics License Application (BLA) for Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb) as an interchangeable biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab).

The CROWN study: real-world comparison between ‘similar biologic’ and originator ranibizumab and bevacizumab

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 18/03/2022

The last decade and a half have witnessed a paradigm shift in the way vascular disorders affecting the retina are treated. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies have become the mainstay of treatment. These monoclonal antibodies are injected in the vitreous cavity. For the treatment to be effective, repeated injections every 4 to 8 weeks over many years need to be given, which proves to be quite expensive.

Will the unclear path of biosimilar interchangeability become clearer?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 11/03/2022

Biosimilar use has led to increased access to biological treatments for some molecules wherein switching from originator to biosimilar has been one means to exchange products [1, 2]. Another but less applied way to exchange the products is via substitution by a pharmacist, i.e. without informing the prescriber [2]. Substitution of biosimilars is a topic with many contrasting views and has been highly debated [3-12]. More clarity on the matter is needed because health care has reached a point where policy decisions need to be made about whether substitution should become a practice in biosimilar use. Therefore, researchers from Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands investigated the views of experts from medicines agencies and the pharmaceutical industry on the science underpinning interchangeability of biosimilars [13].

Biosimilars approved in Argentina

Biosimilars/General | Posted 11/03/2022

In Argentina, the regulatory agency in charge of approving biological drugs is the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Devices (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica, ANMAT).

Generium launches omalizumab (Xolair) non-originator in Russia

Biosimilars/News | Posted 11/03/2022

Moscow’s Generium has launched a non-originator biological of omalizumab (Xolair) on the Russian market, the third of Generium’s products using Selexis’ SUREtechnology Platform to reach the market.

Europe’s IP framework should support earlier authorization of biosimilars, review finds

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 04/03/2022

A review of the European Pharmaceutical Strategy suggests the framework should focus on intellectual property (IP) initiatives that support the earlier authorization of biosimilars.

Key considerations when switching to biosimilar insulin

Biosimilars/General | Posted 04/03/2022

Biosimilar insulins can offer a cheaper alternative to originator insulators and substantial savings for healthcare systems. A recent ‘Quick guide: Initiating or switching to a biosimilar insulin’, [1] published in the Journal of Diabetes Nursing, outlines key aspects to consider when switching.

Biosimilars and non-medical switching among Saudi rheumatologists. The knowledge gap

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 25/02/2022

The increasing cost of originator biologicals, combined with consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, have burdened the healthcare system. Unfortunately, the biosimilar uptake in Saudi Arabia has not reached an optimal level despite the approval of several agents. Therefore, physicians are essential stakeholders in the process and acceptance of biosimilars.

Nova Scotia, Canada implements biosimilar switching policy

Biosimilars/General | Posted 25/02/2022

Nova Scotia becomes the fifth Canadian province to implement a biosimilar switching policy, meaning that half of Canada’s provinces have now implemented such policies.

The US needs to learn from Europe to increasing access to biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 18/02/2022

Europe has been leading the way when it comes to encouraging the use of biosimilars. This is especially true in Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, which are seen as leading the way when it comes to switching and substitution of biosimilars in Europe [1]. In fact, an analysis by Norwegian researchers has found that ‘tremendous savings’ could be realized in the US should the country implement similar strategies [2].

EMA recommends approval of teriparatide and pegfilgrastim biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 18/02/2022

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 28 January 2022 that it had recommended granting of marketing authorization for the teriparatide biosimilar Sondelbay and the pegfilgrastim biosimilar Stimufend.

Amgen predicts a steady flow of biosimilar launches

Biosimilars/General | Posted 18/02/2022

Amgen CEO Robert Bradway predicted expanding the company’s biosimilars business with a steady flow of biosimilar launches at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, which was held on 11 January 2022.

Biosimilars approved in Colombia

Biosimilars/General | Posted 11/02/2022

In Colombia, the regulatory body for the approval of biologicals is the National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute (Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos, INVIMA).

Real-world utilization of adalimumab biosimilar ABP 501

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 11/02/2022

In a poster presentation at the virtual Crohn’s & Colitis Congress, which took place on 20‒22 January 2022, a study describing real-world utilization of adalimumab biosimilar ABP 501 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Europe was presented [1].

Lupin forms partnership to market pegfilgrastim biosimilar in Brazil

Biosimilars/News | Posted 11/02/2022

Indian multinational pharmaceutical company Lupin Ltd (Lupin) has signed an agreement with Brazilian firm Biomm SA to distribute and market a pegfilgrastim biosimilar in Brazil. In related news, Indian firm Gland Pharma has announced plans to enter the market for biosimilar manufacturing.

Applications for adalimumab and trastuzumab biosimilars submitted to FDA

Biosimilars/News | Posted 04/02/2022

Korea-based Samsung Bioepis and partner US-based Organon announced on 5 January 2022 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted the application for their proposed citrate-free, high-concentration (100 mg/mL) adalimumab biosimilar (SB5). A low-concentration formulation of SB5, Hadlima (adalimumab-bwwd), was approved in the US in July 2019 [1].

The impact of insulin biosimilars on the diabetes landscape

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 04/02/2022

The cost of diabetes care in the US continues to rise, with insulin accessibility and affordability a particular concern for providers and patients. Increased competition from increased availability of insulin biosimilars may help address these issues.

Northwest Territories, Canada announces biosimilars switching policy

Biosimilars/General | Posted 04/02/2022

The Northwest Territories (NWT) has become the fifth jurisdiction in Canada to implement a biosimilars switching policy. The policy begins from 21 December 2021 and includes 10 biologicals.

FDA approves adalimumab and insulin glargine biosimilars Yusimry and Rezvoglar

Biosimilars/News | Posted 28/01/2022

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the adalimumab biosimilar Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh) and the insulin glargine biosimilar Rezvoglar (insulin glargine-aglr) [1].

Differences in immunogenicity, pharmacovigilance and legal documents in biological products in Latin America

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 28/01/2022

A study published in 2021 and carried out by Ramírez-Telles et al. examined the immunogenicity, pharmacovigilance and legal documentation of biological and biotechnological drugs as aspects required in the regulations for the registration of these products. This study was conducted in nine Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama – that currently have a regulatory framework for their registration [1].

Biosimilars approved in Ecuador

Biosimilars/General | Posted 28/01/2022

In Ecuador, the regulatory body for the approval of biologicals is the National Agency for Regulation, Control and Health Surveillance (ARCSA).

Biological standardization of bevacizumab: impact on global harmonization of potency assessment

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/01/2022

Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which causes excessive growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones in the form of angiogenesis, underlying pathology of cancers and intraocular neovascular diseases. Through binding to soluble VEGF, bevacizumab sterically blocks the interaction of VEGF with VEGF receptor 2 on endothelial cells and thereby interrupts the activation of downstream signalling for angiogenesis. Bevacizumab is indicated for the treatment of a range of cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic breast cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. It is also used for off-label treatment of eye diseases including neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema.

Canada approves adalimumab biosimilars Simlandi and Yuflyma

Biosimilars/News | Posted 21/01/2022

Canada’s drug regulator, Health Canada, has approved the adalimumab biosimilars Simlandi (AVT02) and Yuflyma (CT-P17).

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – January 2022

Biosimilars/General | Posted 21/01/2022

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Real-world data cannot replace post-approval confirmatory trials

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/01/2022

A study published in JAMA Network Open [1] finds that real-world data are not sufficient to confirm the benefits of drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) accelerated approval programme, and therefore cannot replace post-approval confirmatory trials.

Etanercept biosimilars delayed until 2029 in US

Biosimilars/News | Posted 14/01/2022

Yet another patent challenge to Amgen’s originator etanercept, Enbrel, has been denied in the US.

Differences in clinical studies and pharmacovigilance of biological drugs in Latin America

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 14/01/2022

Clinical studies are trials conducted in humans to test the efficacy of new drugs, devices, and other forms of treatment, as well as those already approved. On the other hand, preclinical or non-clinical studies are in vitro or in vivo studies, carried out on animals, which are necessary to evaluate the toxicity of the product and prove drug safety.

Biosimilars approved in Brazil

Biosimilars/General | Posted 14/01/2022

In Brazil, the regulatory body for the approval of biologicals is the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ANVISA), which is linked to the Ministry of Health, part of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) as the coordinator of the Brazilian Health Regulatory System (SNVS), present throughout the national territory.

British Columbia expands biosimilar switching programme to include insulin

Biosimilars/General | Posted 14/01/2022

The Canadian province of British Columbia has expanded its biosimilar switching programme to include rapid-acting insulin products. Patients taking Humalog (insulin lispro) and NovoRapid (insulin aspart) will have six months to switch to a biosimilar version.

Canada approves filgrastim biosimilar Nypozi

Biosimilars/News | Posted 14/01/2022

Canada’s drug regulator, Health Canada, has approved the filgrastim biosimilar Nypozi (TX01). The drug can be used to treat neutropenia (a lack of white blood cells) in cancer patients.

Regulations of the registration of biosimilars in Latin America

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 17/12/2021

In the review and comparison of biosimilar products performed in the nine Latin American countries, particularities were found regarding their definition, as some regulations do not include the term, affecting the biosimilarity exercise and clinical and non-clinical information. In addition, differences were also found in aspects of their use, such as extrapolation of indications and automatic substitution or interchangeability. As for its labelling, further research by health authorities is required [1].

New Zealand announces funding for adalimumab biosimilar

Biosimilars/News | Posted 17/12/2021

New Zealand has announced that, in order to widen access to adalimumab, it will now fund the adalimumab biosimilar Amgevita.