Biosimilars

Biosimilars of basiliximab

Basiliximab is a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody to the α chain (CD25) of the IL-2 receptor of T cells. It is an immunosuppresant agent used to prevent immediate transplant rejection in people who are receiving kidney transplants, in combination with other agents.

Janssen Biotech files lawsuits for infringement of cell culture media patent

In ongoing litigation over infliximab biosimilars, Janssen Biotech, manufacturer of Remicade (infliximab), has filed two new lawsuits against Celltrion Healthcare, Hospira and HyClone Laboratories, a subsidiary of GE Healthcare Life Sciences, over the use of cell cultures grown for use in Celltrion’s biosimilar Remsima (infliximab), and Hospira’s biosimilar Inflectra (infliximab).

Pharmacovigilance of biologicals in Denmark

As a result of the increasing use of biologicals and biosimilars in Denmark, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in partnership with the country’s regulatory agency has set up an action plan to monitor biologicals and improve pharmacovigilance, as well as to improve understanding among healthcare professionals and patients [1].

Biosimilars of omalizumab

Last update: 3 November 2017

Omalizumab is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized IgG1k monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to free human immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood and interstitial fluid and to membrane-bound form of IgE (mIgE) on the surface of mIgE-expressing B lymphocytes [1]. Unlike an ordinary anti-IgE antibody, it does not bind to IgE that is already bound by the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on the surface of mast cells, basophils, and antigen-presenting dendritic cells.

Mylan and Biocon submit pegfilgrastim biosimilar to EMA

Mylan and Biocon announced on 21 July 2016 that the regulatory submission for their proposed pegfilgrastim biosimilar (MYL-1401H) had been accepted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Bevacizumab similar biologics launched in India

Generics makers Reliance Life Sciences (Reliance) and Hetero have both launched similar biologics of Roche’s blockbuster cancer therapy Avastin (bevacizumab) in India.

Evolution of biosimilars in developed and developing countries

The development of biologicals has experienced continuous growth over the past three decades. The expiration of patent protection for many biologicals has led to the development of biosimilars in many countries around the world. This paper reviews the literature on biosimilars and covers their therapeutic status, clinical trials, approved biosimilars and regulatory guidelines in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia [1].

Biosimilars: the benefits need to be communicated

Extrapolation may be the most contentious issue of biosimilar development, but it is also its single greatest benefit, says Dr Martina Weise of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices in Germany.

Samsung Bioepis adalimumab biosimilar submitted to EMA

South Korean electronics giant Samsung and biotechnology company Biogen Idec’s joint venture Samsung Bioepis announced on 18 July 2016 that its adalimumab biosimilar candidate, SB5, had been accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Sandoz plans to launch five more biosimilars by 2020

Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, has announced plans for five major global biosimilar launches by 2020.