Biosimilars/General

Biosimilars of adalimumab

Biosimilars/General | Posted 03/10/2014

Last update: 11 March 2024

Adalimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that treats autoimmune diseases by inhibiting tumour necrosis factor (TNF); a soluble inflammatory cytokine. Adalimumab binds to TNF-alpha (TNF-α), preventing it from activating TNF receptors, which cause the inflammatory reactions associated with autoimmune diseases. Adalimumab is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid, juvenile idiopathic and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and ulcerative colitis.

Brazil advances in follow-on biologicals/biosimilars approvals, trailing Europe

Biosimilars/General | Posted 09/02/2024

Brazil is the fourth-largest market in terms of approved follow-on biological medications worldwide. As of May 2023, Brazil has approved 52 follow-on biological medicines [1] and approximately 30 biological products awaiting testing or already being tested by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) [2].

Insurer perspective on increasing biosimilar uptake in Canada

Biosimilars/General | Posted 06/02/2024

In November 2023, Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) became the 11th Canadian jurisdiction to announce the adoption of biosimilars switching policies [1-10]. This follows the trend in Canada, to try to increase the uptake of biosimilars.

CVS Caremark removes Humira in the US and Sandoz launches Hyrimoz in Europe

Biosimilars/General | Posted 30/01/2024

It has been announced that the US’ CSV Caremark, a CVS Health company and one of the country’s largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), will remove AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab), from its major national commercial formularies effective 1 April 2024, in favour of biosimilar options. In Europe, Sandoz has launched its biosimilar Hyrimoz (adalimumab), a citrate-free high-concentration formulation (HCF) indicated for all conditions of the reference medicine. 

Canada’s Prince Edward Island adopts biosimilars switching policy

Biosimilars/General | Posted 07/11/2023

Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) becomes the 11th Canadian jurisdiction to announce the adoption of biosimilars switching policies. 

ASCO policy statement on biosimilars and interchangeables in oncology updated

Biosimilars/General | Posted 24/10/2023

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released a new policy statement on the use of biosimilar and interchangeable products in oncology.

The statement proposes guidance and recommendations for stakeholders, including manufacturers, payers, regulatory agencies, clinicians, and patients, to ensure equitable access to high-quality care and to address challenges to biosimilar uptake [1].

Biosimilars approved in Japan

Biosimilars/General | Posted 07/03/2014

Last update: 24 October 2023

In Japan, the regulatory body for the approval of medicines, including biologicals, is the Ministry for Health Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

Promotion of biosimilar product development in Puerto Rico

Biosimilars/General | Posted 17/10/2023

The Puerto Rico Economic Development Bank (Banco de Desarrollo Económico para Puerto Rico, BDE)announced in August 2023 a funding of US$3.85 million for Biosimilar Sciences PR, LLC (Biosimilar Sciences) and Ocyon Bio PR Inc (OcyonBio) to facilitate the purchase of specialized biotechnology equipment. This funding comes from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) of the US Treasury for Small Businesses.

CVS’ Cordavis to launch Sandoz’s Hyrimoz (adalimumab)

Biosimilars/General | Posted 03/10/2023

In August 2023, CVS Health Corp announced it has launched a new company called Cordavis that will work directly with manufacturers to commercialize and co-produce biosimilar medicines for the US market.

Coherus retracts AbbVie restraining order in Humira biosimilar dispute

Biosimilars/General | Posted 11/08/2023

Coherus BioSciences agreed to retract its restraining order against AbbVie in June 2023, an action taken to prevent AbbVie from terminating its Humira licence deal [1].