Biosimilars
Avesthagen and Elpen make deal for biosimilar darbepoetin alfa
Indian life science company Avesthagen Pharma (Avesthagen) announced on 19 November 2013 that it had entered into a biosimilars agreement with Greece-based Elpen Pharmaceutical (Elpen).
Norwegian study hopes to increase biosimilars uptake in Europe
Despite the fact that many countries within Europe are tightening its health budget, the uptake of lower-cost biosimilars is still relatively low in Europe.
Non-clinical and phase I clinical assessments show similarity of biosimilar rituximab
The results of non-clinical and phase I clinical assessments of a candidate biosimilar rituximab (PF-05280586) have shown similarity, with respect to in vivo, functional characteristics and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, of the biosimilar (PF-05280586) and its reference product, Roche’s rheumatoid arthritis blockbuster MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab).
Copaxone stay rejected and balugrastim withdrawn
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) had its request for a stay of an appeals court ruling on its blockbuster drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) rejected, and that it had withdrawn its application for approval of balugrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF]).
Non-clinical study shows similarity of biosimilar etanercept
The results of a non-clinical study of a candidate biosimilar etanercept (GP2015) has shown the similarity, with respect to in vitro and in vivo characteristics, of the biosimilar (GP2015) and its reference product, Amgen’s blockbuster autoimmune disease treatment Enbrel (etanercept).
Indian regulator approves first trastuzumab ‘similar biologic’
India’s drug regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), has granted marketing approval for the world first trastuzumab ‘similar biologic’.
Survey highlights the importance of unique names for biosimilars
A report released by the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) on 22 November 2013 highlights the importance of using unique names for identifying biosimilars.
Merck Serono to transfer technology for six similar biotherapeutic products to Brazil
The Brazilian Ministry of Health (Ministério da Saúde) announced on 7 November 2013 a partnership between Brazil’s Bionovis, Fiocruz and Instituto Vital Brazil (IVB) with Germany’s Merck Serono for the production of six ‘similar biotherapeutic products’ for cancer and arthritis.
Biosimilars naming debate intensifies
In October 2013, a letter was sent to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a bipartisan group of US senators calling for biosimilars to have the same active ingredient name as the brand-name originator product [1]. This has prompted a response from ‘authors and champions’ of the biosimilars legislation.
Sharing biosimilars substitution information with patients critical
On 12 October 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed legislation known as SB 598. Some believed this bill would have impeded access to biosimilars, but others believe it would have supported and strengthened patient-provider communication [1].
