Biosimilars

Biosimilars education still needed for US and EU clinicians

A review of the literature has concluded that healthcare providers are still cautious when it comes to biosimilars and that clinician-directed education is still needed to increase biosimilar knowledge, facilitate prescribing changes and increase use of biosimilars [1].

EMA approval for pegfilgrastim biosimilar Grasustek

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 26 April 2019 that it had recommended the granting of a marketing authorization for the pegfilgrastim biosimilar Grasustek.

Patient and provider views on biosimilars to treat breast cancer

A Canadian breast cancer advocacy group collected insights from patients and medical oncologists regarding the use of biosimilar treatments.

Pharmacokinetic assessment of biosimilar therapeutic monoclonal antibodies

Comparison of the clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of a biosimilar with that of the reference product is an important step in the development of biosimilars. In a recent review, Ishii-Watabe and Kuwabara outline key considerations for the comparative studies required for biosimilar development, focusing on the clinical PK profiles of biosimilar therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their reference products [1].

FDA approves etanercept biosimilar Eticovo

Korean biosimilars maker Samsung Bioepis (Samsung and Biogen’s joint venture) announced on 25 April 2019 that it had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its etanercept biosimilar.

ASCO/ASH update ESA recommendations

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) have updated their recommendations on the management of cancer-associated anaemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).

Biosimilar comparability assessment

In a recent review, Ishii-Watabe and Kuwabara summarize the principles of biosimilar development and outline key considerations for studies comparing a biosimilar with its reference product [1].

FDA to hold public meeting on access to affordable insulin

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking input on the challenges and opportunities the agency should consider as it prepares for the submission and review of applications for biosimilar and interchangeable insulin products, as well as about the development process for such products.

Comparability of biosimilar Ontruzant maintained over three years

Samsung Bioepis has presented positive long-term results for its trastuzumab biosimilar Ontruzant (SB3) at the 16th International Maternal Cancer Congress St Gallen 2019, which was held in Vienna, Austria.

Intas launches trastuzumab similar biologic in India at 65% discount

India-based generics maker Intas Pharmaceuticals (Intas) announced on 9 April 2019 the launch of its product Eleftha, a ‘similar biologic’ of trastuzumab, in India. The new product, claims the company, will bring down the cost of breast cancer treatment by nearly 65%.

Clinical development of a bevacizumab biosimilar

Authors, Kambiz Novin and Nafiseh Mortazavi, from medical faculties of Iranian Universities, discuss the methodological considerations for the clinical development of a bevacizumab biosimilar [1].

Biosimilar drug packaging does not meet EU guidelines on readability

Analysis of 35 biosimilar medicines licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) finds packaging to be more complex than recommended. None of the packaging leaflets analysed were found to be ‘easy to understand’, with sections on therapeutic indication and side effects found to be the most complex [1].

Rituximab biosimilar Truxima approved in Canada

Teva Canada Innovation, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, announced on 10 April 2019 that Health Canada had approved its rituximab biosimilar Truxima. This marks the first rituximab biosimilar to be approved by the Canadian medicines’ regulator.

Eli Lilly to introduce half-price authorized insulin biosimilar in US

With high drug prices increasingly coming into the spotlight, Eli Lilly has announced that it will introduce a lower-priced authorized biosimilar version of its diabetes treatment Humalog (insulin lispro) in the US.

Economic considerations for biosimilars in the US

Smeeding and colleagues explore cost considerations related to biosimilars in the US, and present a broad perspective on value beyond price reduction in a recent review. 

EC approval for adalimumab biosimilar Idacio

Fresenius Kabi, the generics unit of German healthcare giant Fresenius, announced on 3 April 2019 that it had received European Commission (EC) approval for its adalimumab biosimilar Idacio (MSB11455).

Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab biosimilar ABP 215

Authors from the US and Europe report data from a phase III study comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of the bevacizumab biosimilar ABP 215 (Mvasi) with originator bevacizumab Avastin in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1].

Key considerations for biosimilars in the US

Key considerations regarding biosimilars for payers in the US are discussed in a recent review [1]. The authors explore factors promoting the uptake of biosimilars, interchangeability and naming considerations, and challenges to uptake. 

Biocad advancing its non-originator biologicals in Russia

Russian biotechnology company Biocad has started an eculizumab study and has also registered its non-originator biological (BCD 057) in Russia.

ESMO survey highlights need for education and alignment

The results of a survey carried out by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) on biosimilars understanding in oncologists have highlighted the need for education and worldwide alignment [1].

Sandoz resubmits pegfilgrastim biosimilar to FDA

Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, announced on 3 April 2019 that the regulatory submission for its proposed pegfilgrastim biosimilar (LA-EP2006) had been accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Phase III clinical trials started for adalimumab biosimilars

Phase III clinical trials have been started for adalimumab biosimilars from Alvotech and Celltrion.

Samsung Bioepis invalidates Herceptin patent in Korea

Samsung Bioepis has won a patent invalidation suit against Roche’s Herceptin in Korea.

Biosimilars of pertuzumab

Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the dimerization of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) with other HER receptors, which prevents them from signalling in ways that promote cell growth and proliferation.

How can EU policymakers access the potential of biosimilars

Policymakers in Europe should introduce a long-term, multi-stakeholder framework to realize the full potential of off-patent biologicals and biosimilar drugs, according to the results of a series of roundtable discussions held with clinicians, government bodies and industry representatives [1].

Japanese approval for Lupin’s etanercept biosimilar

Indian generics manufacturer Lupin Pharmaceuticals (Lupin) announced on 26 March 2019 that its joint venture YL Biologics and Lupin (through its Japanese subsidiary, Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry) had received approval from Japan’s medicines regulatory agency, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), for its etanercept biosimilar YLB113 in Japan.

Comparison of autoinjectors for inflammatory joint or bowel disease

Imraldi is a biosimilar of the antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody adalimumab. It was approved in Europe in August 2017 for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions [1].

Biosimilars of somatropin

Somatropin or human growth hormone (hGH) is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It is thus important in human development. It is a type of mitogen which is specific only to certain kinds of cells. Growth hormone is a 191-amino acid, single-chain polypeptide that is synthesized, stored and secreted by somatotropic cells within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland.

Bio-Thera advances bevacizumab and tocilizumab copy biologicals

China-based Bio‑Thera Solutions (Bio‑Thera) has made a licensing agreement for its bevacizumab copy biological and has started a phase III trial for its tocilizumab copy biological.

FDA approves trastuzumab biosimilar Trazimera

Pharma giant Pfizer announced on 11 March 2019 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its biosimilar version of Roche’s Herceptin (trastuzumab).

Clinician biosimilar prescribing habits and need for education

At present, biosimilar prescribing and clinical use remain contingent on individual healthcare provider preferences. Although novel legislation and policy continue to promote biosimilar drug development, clinician hesitancies curtail biosimilar use in practice, thereby limiting overall market uptake. Findings from a recently published systematic review indicate that clinicians in Europe and the US do not primarily support the use of biosimilars as safe and effective therapies in patients already receiving originator biological treatment [1].

Celltrion wins biosimilar deals and Duopharma increases focus on biosimilars in SE Asia

Celltrion Healthcare (Celltrion) has won tenders to supply infliximab to Singapore and rituximab to Thailand, while CCM Duopharma Biotech Bhd (CCMD) aims to increase revenue contribution from its biosimilar products from 22% to over 25%.

Comparison of Brazilian regulations for follow-on biologicals with EMA, FDA and WHO

Authors Marcos Renato de Assis and Valdair Pinto outline the strengths and weaknesses of the Brazilian regulation on follow-on biologicals and compare  regulations in Europe, the US and the world [1].

China approves rituximab copy biological

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), announced on 22 February 2019 that it had approved Hanlikon, a rituximab copy biological.

UK’s NICE recommends pertuzumab with biosimilar trastuzumab

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended originator pertuzumab with intravenous biosimilar trastuzumab and chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Copy biologicals approved in China

Last update: 2 April 2021

In China, the regulatory body for the approval of medicines, including biologicals, is the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA: simplified Chinese: 国家食品药品监督管理局).

Trastuzumab biosimilar PF 05280014 non-inferior to Herceptin

Results of a study of Pfizer’s trastuzumab biosimilar (PF 05280014) have shown that the biosimilar is non-inferior to the originator biological, Roche’s Herceptin (trastuzumab) [1].

Impact of proposed changes to FDA approach to biosimilars

In the Opinion article, Professor Sarfarez Niazi urges the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make adjustments to its guidance on biosimilar development [1]. Niazi’s proposals are consistent with the anti-regulatory political rhetoric and administrative actions that are becoming increasingly widespread in the US. In this article, Professor Pekka Kurki comments on some of Niazi’s proposals from a global perspective [2].

EC approval for bevacizumab biosimilar Zirabev

US-based drugmaker pharma giant Pfizer announced on 19 February 2019 that it had received European Commission (EC) approval for its bevacizumab biosimilar Zirabev (PF 06439535).

Positive phase I results for Mycenax’s tocilizumab biosimilar

Taiwanese biosimilars developer Mycenax announced on 31 December 2018 that results from the phase I study of its tocilizumab biosimilar, LusiNEX, had met its primary endpoints.