Biosimilars
Cost of filgrastim biosimilars compared to originator filgrastim
Italian researchers have completed a retrospective cost analysis comparing the use of filgrastim biosimilars with the originator granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Their retrospective, single institution study of 56 lymphoma and myeloma patients concluded that treatment with the biosimilars Tevagrastim and Zarzio was associated with cost reductions of 56% and 86%, respectively.
Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – April 2015
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.
Indian drugmakers make progress with candidate biosimilars
India-based biologicals specialist Biocon announced on 7 May 2015 that it had made clinical progress in its partnered programmes with US generics maker Mylan.
Clinical trials for infliximab biosimilars
A systematic review into clinical trials for infliximab biosimilars was carried out as part of an investigation into biosimilars for the treatment of psoriasis by researchers from the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany [1].
Incomplete processing in recombinant streptokinase
A study investigating the impact of incomplete processing on streptokinase activity has found that ‘similar biologics’ or different batches of the biological may have different potencies, depending on the degree of amino-terminal methionine processing and on the pharmacopoeial assay method used, affecting the dosage patients receive [1].
Latin American deal for infliximab biosimilar
US-based Epirus Biopharmaceuticals (Epirus) announced on 14 May 2015 that it had made a deal with biosimilars specialist mAbxience, a subsidiary of Spanish healthcare firm the Chemo Group, for Latin America with respect to the infliximab biosimilar made by Epirus.
GPhA launches Biosimilars Council
As part of ongoing efforts to educate and expand access to biosimilars, industry group, the US Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA), has launched its Biosimilars Council, a division of GPhA.
Baxter and Coherus amend biosimilar etanercept collaboration
US-based biosimilars developer Coherus BioSciences (Coherus) and Baxter International (Baxter) announced on 15 April 2015 that they had amended some of the financial terms of their collaboration agreement for CHS-0214, an etanercept biosimilar candidate.
Clinical trials for etanercept biosimilars
Researchers from the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, carried out a systematic review into clinical trials for etanercept biosimilars as part of their investigation into biosimilars for the treatment of psoriasis [1].
Australian approval for biosimilar insulin
Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has given a positive recommendation for the listing of Eli Lilly’s biosimilar insulin glargine, Basaglar in the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Basaglar is the first biosimilar insulin to be approved in Australia, providing an alternative, affordable treatment option for patients suffering from diabetes.
