Biosimilars
Progress in the regulation of biosimilars in the EU
Analysis of regulation of biosimilars in the EU concludes that regulation is progressing as more knowledge is gained, which is reflected in the changing nature of regulatory guidelines. The authors conclude that the EU framework generates safe and effective biosimilars [1].
Advances for biotech in Korea: Samsung Bioepis, Celltrion and LG Chem
Korean companies Samsung Bioepis and Celltrion have accelerated their penetration into the global market, with a total of 11 approvals in Europe and eight in the US. In addition, Korea’s LG Chem has expanded its presence in Japan and China. This growth follows increasing investment in the biotech sector from South Korea’s government and private pharmaceutical companies [1, 2].
Biosimilars, clinical management and incentives
The aim of a study carried out by Spanish researchers was to identify and analyse policies applied in the health services to enhance uptake of biosimilars in the framework of clinical management settings [1]. Incentives, both financial and non-financial, were of particular interest for the authors. They reviewed the relevant experiences developed in different high-income countries with advanced healthcare systems. In addition, they investigated barriers to the implementation of these policies in Spain.
YLB113 etanercept biosimilar autoinjector 'safe and effective’
Analysis of the YLB113 etanercept autoinjector, a biosimilar to reference etanercept, finds a high rate of injection success and supports the safe and effective use of YLB113 [1].
China approves Factor VIII copy biological Anjian
China-based drugmaker SinoCellTech (formerly known as Shenzhou Cell) announced on 23 July 2021 that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), had approved its recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (susoctocog alfa) copy biological Anjian.
Interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar preferred on Express Scripts
The interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar, Semglee, has been listed by Express Scripts, America’s largest pharmacy benefit management organization, as a preferred insulin brand on its National Preferred Formulary (NPF), which includes more than 28 million lives in the US.
Progress for bevacizumab copy biologicals from Henlius and Innovent
Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc (Henlius) reports progress in clinical trials of a bevacizumab copy biological for age-related macular degeneration and colorectal cancer, while Innovent Biologics reports positive findings from a trial of their bevacizumab copy biological in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Data support the interchangeability of EU biosimilars
The first study to comprehensively analyse post-marketing surveillance data for biosimilar monoclonal antibodies demonstrates comparable efficacy, safety and immunogenicity with the originator products [1].
FDA approves adalimumab biosimilar Cyltezo as interchangeable
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first interchangeable adalimumab biosimilar. This is the second interchangeable biosimilar to gain FDA approval in the US and follows the landmark decision to approve an interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar in July 2021 [1].
Patent litigation insights on barriers to US biosimilar market growth
High prices of biological drugs have placed substantial strain on the US healthcare system. To help address this problem, Congress passed the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCI Act) as part of the Affordable Care Act, which created an abbreviated approval pathway for biosimilars – versions of ‘originator’ biological drugs made by different manufacturers. To resolve disputes over whether a biosimilar manufacturer would infringe patents on the originator biological by entering the market, the BPCI Act included a multi-step litigation process, which starts when the biosimilar manufacturer submits its abbreviated biological license application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, a decade after its passage, the BPCI Act has spurred only limited competition [1].
