Biosimilars
Biosimilar advances for Alvotech-Teva and setback for Biocon Biologics
Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals announced in January 2023, that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for review a Biologics License Application (BLA) for AVT04, Alvotech’s proposed biosimilar to Stelara® (ustekinumab). Meanwhile, Biocon Biologics received a complete response letter (CRL) from FDAregarding its application for an insulin aspart biosimilar (filed by its partner Viatris).
Drug survival of adalimumab biosimilars in psoriasis treatment in Spain
A review by López-Ferrer A et al. entitled ‘Drug survival of adalimumab biosimilars in real-world treatment of psoriasis: A Spanish multicenter study’ provided perspective of the factors associated with biosimilar adalimumab survival in Spain [1].
Advances for Bio-Thera’s secukinumab and mepolizumab copy biologicals
China’s Bio-Thera Solutions announced in November 2022 that dosing has begun in a phase III clinical study for BAT2306, a proposed copy biological of arthritis anti-inflammatory treatment, Cosentyx (secukinumab). In addition, the company also recently announced a phase I clinical study to compare the pharmacokinetics and safety of BAT2606, a proposed copy biological of asthma treatment, Nucala (mepolizumab), to US-sourced and EU-sourced reference product in normal healthy volunteers.
Pegfilgrastim biosimilars in US supportive oncology
Humphreys et al. published a narrative review article concerning the administration options and the economic considerations of biosimilar pegfilgrastim in supportive cancer treatment in the US to maximize patient benefit[1].
Investigating cell, tissue and gene therapy products and their regulation
Cell, tissue and gene therapy products or (CTGTPs) are often breakthrough therapies with immense potential in treating diseases with no cure or rare diseases with high treatment burdens. However, few of such therapies have been approved and some have been recalled due to safety issues. Now, a study published in GaBI Journal [1] has investigated these therapies and the manufacturing and regulatory challenges they pose.
FDA and EMA file acceptance of Biogen’s tocilizumab biosimilar
Biogen announced on 9 December 2022 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the abbreviated Biologics License Application (BLA) for BIIB800, a biosimilar candidate referencing Roche’s Actemra/RoActemra (tocilizumab); and on 30 September 2022 that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted the Marketing Authorization Application for BIIB800.
AVT02 biosimilarity with Humira proved in chronic plaque psoriasis treatment
Results of clinical patient trials of Alvotech’s high concentration formulation biosimilar of adalimumab, AVT02, demonstrate comparable efficacy, safety and immunogenicity to the reference product Humira, according to a study published in Biodrugs [1].
Canada approves etanercept biosimilar Rymti
The etanercept biosimilar Rymti, produced by Lupin, received approval from Canada’s drug regulator, Health Canada (HC), on 13 September 2022, for all indications of the reference product Enbrel. This is the third etanercept biosimilar to receive approval in Canada [1].
Investigating biosimilar product drift and divergence
Following the establishment of biosimilarity, there are no regulations that require manufacturers to perform quality or clinical studies to compare biosimilar versus originator products post-approval. In an investigation published in GaBI Journal [1], Dr Pablo Matar examined the concept of biosimilar manufacturing ‘drift’ and product divergence [2].
Australia and EU: Alvotech Humira and Stada Lucentis biosimilars approved
In November 2022, Alvotech announced that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has granted marketing authorization for its a high-concentration low-volume adalimumab, AVT02, a biosimilar referencing Humira and marketed by their partner, Cipla Australia. In addition, Stada Arzneimittel and Xbrane Biopharma announced that the European Commission granted marketing authorization for their Ximluci (ranibizumab), a biosimilar candidate referencing Lucentis.
