Biosimilars

EC approves eight biosimilars, six more await final authorization

Biosimilars/News | Posted 22/04/2025

The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for eight biosimilars: Biocon’s Yesintek,Celltrion’s Avtozma, Eydenzelt, Osenvelt and Stoboclo; Samsung Bioepis’ Obodence and Xbryk, and CuraTeQ Biologics’ Zefylti in February 2025. 

EMA recommends approval for three biosimilars: Jubereq, Osvyrti, and Qoyvolma

Biosimilars/News | Posted 11/04/2025

On 27 March 2025, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted positive opinions, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for three biosimilar medicines: Accord’s Jubereq and Osvyrti (denosumab), and Celltrion’s Qoyvolma (ustekinumab).

How the WHO is expanding access to biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 11/04/2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted its role in expanding global access to biosimilars in a February 2025 feature article, ‘Biosimilars: expanding access to essential biologic therapies’ [1].

FDA biosimilar approvals in March 2025: Bomyntra, Conexxence, and Omlyclo

Biosimilars/News | Posted 07/04/2025

In March 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three biosimilars: Omlyclo (omalizumab-igec), the first and only biosimilar designated as interchangeable with Xolair, as well as Bomyntra and Conexxence (denosumab-bnht), which reference Xgeva and Prolia (denosumab)

Stelara biosimilars enter US market with 85% discount in 2025

Biosimilars/General | Posted 28/03/2025

In February 2025, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Alvotech announced the availability of Selardsi (ustekinumab-aekn) in the US, followed by Sandoz’s Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe). These two products are biosimilars to the originator drug, Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara (ustekinumab). 

Canada approves pegfilgrastim biosimilar Pexegra

Biosimilars/News | Posted 21/03/2025

On 25 February 2025, Health Canada granted marketing authorization to India-based Kashiv BioSciences for its pegfilgrastim biosimilar, Pexegra, which references Amgen’s Neulasta (pegfilgrastim). 

IFPMA publishes position on pharmacy-mediated substitution for biosimilars

Biosimilars/General | Posted 21/03/2025

In January 2025, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) published a position paper, ‘Pharmacy-mediated substitution for biosimilars’.

Optimizing costs with biosimilars: Brazil's case

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/03/2025

The adoption of biosimilars, biological drugs similar to reference medications, has emerged as a pivotal strategy for reducing healthcare costs while maintaining efficacy and safety. A review by Azevedo, VF, et al.examines how Unimed Maringá, a private healthcare provider in Brazil, implemented a biosimilar management programme, achieving significant cost savings and broader patient access to essential therapies [1].

Insulin aspart and denosumab biosimilars approved in US

Biosimilars/News | Posted 12/03/2025

In February 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sanofi-Aventis’ Merilog (insulin aspart-szjj), referencing NovoNordisk’s NovoLog (insulin aspart); and Samsung Bioepis’ Ospomyv and Xbryk (denosumab-dssb), referencing Amgen’s Prolia and Xgeva, respectively. Additionally, the FDA granted a provisional determination of interchangeability designation for both Ospomyv and Xbryk with its reference medicines.

The ustekinumab shift: biosimilars displace Stelara’s market leadership

Biosimilars/General | Posted 12/03/2025

The ustekinumab market is heating up as biosimilar developers aggressively challenge the dominance of Stelara, Johnson & Johnson’s blockbuster drug for autoimmune diseases. With eight biosimilars approved in Europe and seven in the US, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.