Biosimilars

Biosimilars: Promises made. Promises kept?

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 19/11/2021

Biosimilars are biological products that are highly similar to their reference biologicals. Biosimilars are designed to have comparability with respect to quality, safety and efficacy compared to an already licensed reference biological. Most regulatory agencies, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA), do not require a full clinical dossier for a biosimilar. It is usually possible to carry out one clinical trial in one indication, with the option to extrapolate to other indications of the reference biological [1].

Canada approves filgrastim and insulin aspart biosimilars Nypozi and Kirsty

Biosimilars/News | Posted 12/11/2021

Canada’s drug regulator, Health Canada, has approved the filgrastim and insulin aspart biosimilars Nypozi and Kirsty.

Progress in the regulation of biosimilars in the EU

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 12/11/2021

Analysis of regulation of biosimilars in the EU concludes that regulation is progressing as more knowledge is gained, which is reflected in the changing nature of regulatory guidelines. The authors conclude that the EU framework generates safe and effective biosimilars [1].

Advances for biotech in Korea: Samsung Bioepis, Celltrion and LG Chem

Biosimilars/General | Posted 12/11/2021

Korean companies Samsung Bioepis and Celltrion have accelerated their penetration into the global market, with a total of 11 approvals in Europe and eight in the US. In addition, Korea’s LG Chem has expanded its presence in Japan and China. This growth follows increasing investment in the biotech sector from South Korea’s government and private pharmaceutical companies [1, 2].

Biosimilars, clinical management and incentives

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 12/11/2021

The aim of a study carried out by Spanish researchers was to identify and analyse policies applied in the health services to enhance uptake of biosimilars in the framework of clinical management settings [1]. Incentives, both financial and non-financial, were of particular interest for the authors. They reviewed the relevant experiences developed in different high-income countries with advanced healthcare systems. In addition, they investigated barriers to the implementation of these policies in Spain.

YLB113 etanercept biosimilar autoinjector 'safe and effective’

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 05/11/2021

Analysis of the YLB113 etanercept autoinjector, a biosimilar to reference etanercept, finds a high rate of injection success and supports the safe and effective use of YLB113 [1].

China approves Factor VIII copy biological Anjian

Biosimilars/News | Posted 05/11/2021

China-based drugmaker SinoCellTech (formerly known as Shenzhou Cell) announced on 23 July 2021 that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), had approved its recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (susoctocog alfa) copy biological Anjian.

Interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar preferred on Express Scripts

Biosimilars/General | Posted 05/11/2021

The interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar, Semglee, has been listed by Express Scripts, America’s largest pharmacy benefit management organization, as a preferred insulin brand on its National Preferred Formulary (NPF), which includes more than 28 million lives in the US.

Progress for bevacizumab copy biologicals from Henlius and Innovent

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 05/11/2021

Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc (Henlius) reports progress in clinical trials of a bevacizumab copy biological for age-related macular degeneration and colorectal cancer, while Innovent Biologics reports positive findings from a trial of their bevacizumab copy biological in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Data support the interchangeability of EU biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 29/10/2021

The first study to comprehensively analyse post-marketing surveillance data for biosimilar monoclonal antibodies demonstrates comparable efficacy, safety and immunogenicity with the originator products [1].

FDA approves adalimumab biosimilar Cyltezo as interchangeable

Biosimilars/News | Posted 29/10/2021

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first interchangeable adalimumab biosimilar. This is the second interchangeable biosimilar to gain FDA approval in the US and follows the landmark decision to approve an interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar in July 2021 [1].

Patent litigation insights on barriers to US biosimilar market growth

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 29/10/2021

High prices of biological drugs have placed substantial strain on the US healthcare system. To help address this problem, Congress passed the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCI Act) as part of the Affordable Care Act, which created an abbreviated approval pathway for biosimilars – versions of ‘originator’ biological drugs made by different manufacturers. To resolve disputes over whether a biosimilar manufacturer would infringe patents on the originator biological by entering the market, the BPCI Act included a multi-step litigation process, which starts when the biosimilar manufacturer submits its abbreviated biological license application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, a decade after its passage, the BPCI Act has spurred only limited competition [1].

Bio-Thera and Samsung Bioepis start clinical trials for ustekinumab biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 29/10/2021

China’s Bio-Thera Solutions and South Korea’s Samsung Bioepis have begun phase III clinical trials for biosimilars to Janssen’s blockbuster anti-inflammatory drug Stelara (ustekinumab).

Argentinian gastroenterologist groups issued position statement on biosimilars use

Biosimilars/General | Posted 22/10/2021

Experts from the steering committees of the Argentinian Society of Gastroenterology (SAGE), the Argentinian Federation of Gastroenterology (FAGE) and the Argentinian Group of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GADECCU) have issued a joint position regarding the practical conditions for the clinical use of biosimilars indicated for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), by discussing the most notable aspects related to the definition of a biosimilar drug, bio-similarity, non-comparable biological drugs or ‘intended copies’, approval requirements, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, automatic substitution, non-medical switching, nomenclature, clinical standards regarding safety and efficacy, implementation of an efficient and appropriate pharmacovigilance system and the potential economic impact on the healthcare system [1].

Canada approves adalimumab and bevacizumab biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 22/10/2021

Canada’s drug regulator, Health Canada, has approved the bevacizumab biosimilar Bambevi and the adalimumab biosimilar Abrilada (PF-06410293).

Research, development and public production of pharmaceuticals in Argentina

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 22/10/2021

Under the current research and development model, the pharmaceutical industry has switched its focus towards the therapeutic areas that offer the greatest commercial benefit, which are often not aligned with public health needs. Consequently, it has ceased to be the great innovative industry that it had been during the last century.

Delayed biosimilars market entry costs US billions

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 22/10/2021

Delayed adalimumab biosimilar entry to the US market is estimated to have cost Medicare over US$2.19 billion between 2016 and 2019, a study published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics has revealed.

Competition from biosimilars drives price reductions for biologicals in France

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 15/10/2021

The US has experienced a policy debate as to whether competition from biosimilars is the best strategy for achieving price reductions for biologicals or, rather, whether direct price regulation after loss of patent exclusivity would be more effective. In order to investigate this issue, authors from the US and France combined quantitative and case study methods to examine in detail the interaction between market and administrative mechanisms to reduce biologicals’ prices in France. In their article they present comprehensive data on market shares and prices for three major biologicals and their 11 competing biosimilars between 2004 and 2020 [1].

Bioeq submits application for ranibizumab biosimilar to FDA

Biosimilars/News | Posted 15/10/2021

A ranibizumab biosimilar developed by Swiss biotechnology company Bioeq AG (Bioeq) has been successfully submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review.

Potential biotech collaboration between India and Colombia

Biosimilars/General | Posted 15/10/2021

A letter of intent on cooperation in biotechnology has been signed between India and Colombia, which could include collaborations on vaccines, biosimilars, and medical devices.

Biosimilars approved in Paraguay

Biosimilars/General | Posted 15/10/2021

In Paraguay, the regulatory body responsible for the approval of biological drugs is the National Directorate for Sanitary Surveillance (Dirección Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria, DINAVISA).

Positive trial results for bevacizumab copies from Betta Pharmaceuticals and Biocad

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 15/10/2021

The bevacizumab copy biological MIL60 (Betta Pharmaceuticals Ltd) and non-originator biological BCD-021 (Biocad) have demonstrated clinical equivalence for the treatment of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in phase III trials.

CuraTeQ submits application to EMA for pegfilgrastim biosimilar

Biosimilars/News | Posted 08/10/2021

India-based generics maker Aurobindo Pharma (Aurobindo) announced on 22 September 2021 that its subsidiary CuraTeQ Biologics (CuraTeQ) had submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its pegfilgrastim biosimilar, BP14.

Candidate trastuzumab biosimilar AryoTrust

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/10/2021

Biologicals are one of the interesting and effective treatment options which can save the lives of many patients, however, their high cost and restricted access for some patients remains a challenge. The emergence of biosimilars, with their similar efficacy and safety profiles, could be a solution for this hurdle. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidance entitled ‘Biosimilars in the EU – information guide for healthcare professionals’, a biosimilar is ‘a biological medicine highly similar to another biological medicine already approved in the EU’ [1]. Biosimilars are required to have the same standards of pharmaceutical quality, safety and efficacy as for originator biologicals in order to obtain marketing authorization. Although, according to the EMA guidance ‘approval of biosimilars builds on existing scientific knowledge on safety and efficacy of the reference medicine gained during its clinical use, so fewer clinical data are needed’ [2].

Biosimilars approved in Cuba

Biosimilars/General | Posted 08/10/2021

In Cuba, the regulatory body responsible for approving biological drugs is the Center for the State Control of Medicines, Medical Equipments and Devices (Control Estatal de Medicamentos, Equipos y Dispositivos Médicos, CECMED).

China approving more copy biologicals since new guidelines introduced

Biosimilars/General | Posted 08/10/2021

China has approved many more copy biologicals in the last three years. A move which, according to Pharmaceutical Technology, is thought could be due to the introduction of new guidelines for the products.

Barriers to biosimilar prescribing incentives in Spain

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 08/10/2021

Incentives contribute to the proper functioning of the broader contracts that regulate the relationships between healthcare systems and professionals. Likewise, incentives are an important element of clinical governance understood as healthcare services’ management at the micro-level, aimed at achieving better health outcomes for patients.

Canada’s biosimilar substitution policy: effects on competition and patient safety

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/10/2021

A critical review of Canada’s biosimilar substitution policy [1] finds that the scheme has focused on economic factors over other elements such as therapeutic efficacy and market competition. The authors suggest that Canada could learn from the European market, where switching policies retain choice for physicians and patients and promote competition.

Biosimilars approved in Peru

Biosimilars/General | Posted 01/10/2021

In Peru, the regulatory body responsible for approving biological drugs is the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (DIGEMID) of the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) which is in charge of leading the National and Decentralised Health System, the policy for the universal health assurance and the policies and intersectoral actions on social determinants [1].

EMA recommends approval of two adalimumab biosimilars

Biosimilars/News | Posted 01/10/2021

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 17 September 2021 that it had recommended granting marketing authorization for the adalimumab biosimilars Hukyndra and Libmyris.

New Zealand to expand access to rituximab, possibly adalimumab

Biosimilars/General | Posted 01/10/2021

New Zealand’s Pharmaceutical Management Agency, Pharmac, has announced a decision to expand access to rituximab and has launched a proposal to expand access to adalimumab.

Multiple successive switches between infliximab biosimilars in IBD

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/10/2021

Recently, biosimilar tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists have become available and are being increasingly used in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The first infliximab biosimilar to receive approval was CT-P13 (Remsima) based on data from rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, followed by extrapolation to other indications of originator infliximab (Remicade). The second infliximab biosimilar, SB2 (Flixabi), received authorization based on a pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers and a study in rheumatoid arthritis [1].

Federal purchases of biological drugs for cancer in Brazil

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 24/09/2021

Buying biosimilars is generally considered to be a way to increase access to cancer treatments in public health services. In Europe, the approval, commercialization and use of similar biotherapeutic products (SBPs) have been encouraged as a way to reduce costs and expand treatment coverage [1, 2]. In Brazil, an analysis of the profile of purchases of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) acquired by the Unified Health System (SUS) between 2015 and 2019 showed that this premise might not be true in Brazil [2].

EC and FDA approval for first ranibizumab biosimilar Byooviz

Biosimilars/News | Posted 24/09/2021

On 18 August 2021, the ranibizumab biosimilar Byooviz (SB11), produced by Samsung Bioepis and commercialized by Biogen, received European Commission (EC) approval. Then on 20 September 2021 the pair announced that Byooviz had also received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the first ranibizumab biosimilar, or indeed ophthalmology biosimilar, to receive approval in either Europe or the US.

Biosimilars approved in Uruguay

Biosimilars/General | Posted 24/09/2021

In Uruguay, the regulatory body responsible for the approval of biologicals is the Ministry of Public Health of Uruguay (Ministerio de Salud Pública de Uruguay, MSP).

Long-term safety and efficacy of anti-TNF-α biosimilars in psoriasis

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 24/09/2021

Biologicals have greatly improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with moderate-to severe psoriasis. Despite being significantly more effective than conventional systemic agents for psoriasis, the high cost of biologicals may limit their use [1].

Bevacizumab biosimilars launched in Spain and Korea

Biosimilars/News | Posted 17/09/2021

New bevacizumab biosimilars have been launched in Spain and South Korea.

Off-patent biologicals/Biomimics approved in Bolivia

Biosimilars/General | Posted 17/09/2021

In Bolivia, the regulatory body for the approval of biologicals is the State Agency for Medicines and Health Technologies AGEMED (Agencia Estatal de Medicamentos y Tecnologías en Salud).

Clinical pharmacists have a critical role in increasing biosimilar uptake

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 17/09/2021

The increasing global burden of chronic diseases, including cancers, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, anaemia of chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders and others, underscore the importance of patients’ access to safe and effective treatments. Interestingly, the introduction of biologicals in the 1980s revolutionized the treatment of these chronic diseases with better prognosis, although high costs and limited patient access remain challenges. These biologicals are known by various names, including biopharmaceutical agents, biologicals, biological therapies, biological agents and biological response modifier therapy or immunotherapy. Biologicals are derived or manufactured from a living biological system. With the majority of originator biologicals losing patent protection and the emergence of biosimilars, the landscape of biologicals is facing many changes.

Clinical development of biosimilars in the oncology setting

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 17/09/2021

Biologicals as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are highly complex products produced in living systems. They are included as treatment, combined with chemotherapy, for multiple common malignancies as cancer, in first- and second-line treatment regimens. However, the patient’s access to this type of treatment can be limited due to their high cost.