Biosimilars

EC approval for adalimumab biosimilar Idacio

Biosimilars/News | Posted 12/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 12/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 12/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/General | Posted 12/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 05/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/News | Posted 05/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 05/04/2019

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

Samsung Bioepis invalidates Herceptin patent in Korea

Biosimilars/General | Posted 05/04/2019

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

Biosimilars of pertuzumab

Biosimilars/General | Posted 05/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/News | Posted 01/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 01/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/General | Posted 01/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/News | Posted 01/04/2019

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

Biosimilars/News | Posted 22/03/2019

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

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 22/03/2019

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].