Biosimilars

Phase III study of biosimilar pegfilgrastim confirms safety and effectiveness in patients on myelosuppressive chemotherapy

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 09/11/2018

Canada-based Apobiologix, a division of Apotex, reported results of an international, phase III, randomized, double-blind clinical trial to demonstrate biosimilarity between the Apotex pegfilgrastim biosimilar (Apo-Peg; Lapelga) and reference product Neulasta (Amgen) [1].

Adalimumab biosimilars Amgevita and Imraldi launched in Europe

Biosimilars/News | Posted 02/11/2018

In October 2018, two adalimumab biosimilars have been launched in the European Union (EU). Amgen announced the European launch of its adalimumab biosimilar, Amgevita and Biogen announced the launch of its adalimumab biosimilar Imraldi.

Clinical and real-world data for switching to biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/11/2018

The evidence and issues associated with switching from originator biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biosimilars are discussed by authors from French universities and hospitals [1].

Merck gains US infliximab contract but drops insulin glargine biosimilar

Biosimilars/General | Posted 02/11/2018

US pharma giant Merck (known as MSD outside the US and Canada) has signed a deal with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its infliximab biosimilar, Renflexis. However, it is pulling out of a deal for insulin glargine biosimilar Lusduna.

Real-life clinical effectiveness of Razumab in retinal vein occlusion

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/11/2018

Authors from Intas Pharmaceuticals presented data from a subgroup analysis of the RE-ENACT study (retrospective, multicentre, observational pooled study on wet age-related macular degeneration [wet AMD], diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion) [1]. The RE-ENACT study evaluated the effectiveness of the ranibizumab similar biologic Razumab in Indian patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Trastuzumab similar biologic Hervycta launched in India

Biosimilars/News | Posted 02/11/2018

India-based generics manufacturer Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (Dr Reddy’s) announced on 26 July 2018 the launch of its product Hervycta, a ‘similar biologic’ of trastuzumab, in India.

Mylan gains nod for Ogivri and launches Hulio in Europe

Biosimilars/News | Posted 26/10/2018

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced at its meeting on 18 October 2018 that it had recommended granting marketing authorization for the trastuzumab biosimilar Ogivri.

Originator biologicals and biosimilars under attack in UK and Japan

Biosimilars/General | Posted 26/10/2018

Originator biologicals makers and biosimilars makers are finding themselves facing litigation in both the UK and Japan.

Mass spectrometry comparison of Remicade and Remsima

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/10/2018

The US entered the era of biosimilars in 2015 with its very first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved filgrastim biosimilar Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz) [1]. Since then, FDA has approved 11 more biosimilars [2]. Nevertheless, one concern with respect to the manufacturing of biosimilars is that every company has its own proprietary manufacturing process, which could potentially lead to differences in drug properties. Consequently, the debate on how ‘similar’ the biosimilar is to the originator still remains controversial. Thus, a comprehensive but rapid characterization platform that can validate any clinically meaningful differences is required. In this regard, Pisupati et al. [3] carried out a study comparing the reference product Remicade (infliximab) with the first US monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilar Remsima (Europe)/Inflectra (US) by incorporating state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based multiple-attribute monitoring (MAM).

Switching to etanercept biosimilar SB4 safe and effective in a hospital setting

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/10/2018

Authors of a study carried out at a UK hospital found switching to etanercept biosimilar SB4 to be safe and effective [1].