Biosimilars
Novartis versus the Indian patent system
The Indian patent system is once again under scrutiny as a final decision in the case of Novartis versus the Indian patent system is eagerly awaited by originator biologicals and biosimilars manufacturers alike. However, any decision on the case has been delayed until 10 July 2012.
Samsung to launch biosimilars by 2015 at half the current prices
South Korean electronics giant Samsung told the Financial Times that it plans to launch biosimilars by 2015 at half the prices that patients in Europe and the US currently pay.
Biocon opens new research centre
Indian biosimilars major Biocon, announced on 5 April 2012 the opening of a new state-of-the-art Integrated Research and Development Centre in Bangalore, India.
EMA publishes procedural advice for biosimilars
On 11 April 2012, EMA published a new document on regulatory procedural advice for biosimilars.
Biosimilars dilemma over reference products
Global manufacturers of biosimilars have a dilemma on their hands concerning reference products. What to do to reduce the burden of data required in different countries and regions of the world to get their biosimilars onto the market?
Also noted on biosimilars: 13 April 2012
Palivizumab biosimilar successfully produced in plants
Biotechnology company iBio, self-professed leader in the plant-made pharmaceutical field, announced on 10 April 2012 that it had successfully used its iBioLaunch technology to produce biosimilar palivizumab in non-transgenic green plants.
This is the second monoclonal antibody that the company has successfully produced. Back in October 2011 the company announced the successful use of its technology to produce rituximab.
Related article
Rituximab biosimilar successfully produced in plants
Source: iBio
Current and future issues surrounding biosimilars
Biological medicines are already becoming an increasingly important part of health care. With patent expiries on originator biological products, biosimilars are also increasingly become a part of this future [1]. In fact, by 2020 twelve of the top-selling biologicals will have lost patent protection, opening up an estimated US$24 billion in EU sales and US$30 billion in US sales [2].
BIO and GPhA support biosimilar and generic user fees
Both the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) have expressed their support of user fees for biosimilars and generics.
Also noted on biosimilars: 6 April 2012
Amgen and AstraZeneca make monoclonal antibody deal
Biotech giant Amgen and pharma major AstraZeneca announced on 2 April 2012 an agreement to jointly develop and commercialise five monoclonal antibodies from Amgen’s clinical inflammation portfolio (AMG 139, AMG 157, AMG 181, AMG 557 and brodalumab [AMG 827]), which are expected to be used to treat inflammatory diseases.
As part of the deal AstraZeneca will make an upfront payment of US$50 million and the companies will then share both costs and profits. The collaboration will provide Amgen with additional resources to optimally progress its portfolio and Amgen will benefit from the strong respiratory, inflammation and asthma development expertise of MedImmune–AstraZeneca’s biologicals arm.
Related articles
Amgen finally jumps on biosimilars bandwagon
AstraZeneca expands its generics business with Indian agreements
Source: Amgen, AstraZeneca
Reimbursement of biosimilars
The evidence required to obtain marketing authorisation for a biosimilar by the regulatory authority is not always the same as that required by the reimbursement authority [1]. This can cause problems for biosimilars manufacturers when planning clinical trials in order to obtain both marketing and reimbursement approval.
