Biosimilars
Pelmeg developed with aid of regulatory reform
The development of Pelmeg, a biosimilar of pegfilgrastim, revealed flexibility in the regulatory guidelines as they were superseded by state-of-the-art science, a study uncovers [1].
IVM releases toolbox on how to switch patients to insulin biosimilars
The Dutch Instituut voor Verantwoord Medicijngebruik (Institute for Responsible Medicines Use, IVM) has released a toolbox for healthcare providers on how to switch patients to insulin biosimilars.
Knowledge and perceptions about naming biosimilars in the US
Following the introduction of biosimilars, naming conventions for biologicals have been introduced, in part to support pharmacovigilance.
EC approves adalimumab biosimilar Yuflyma
On 15 February 2021, South Korea-based biotechnology company Celltrion Healthcare (Celltrion) announced that its adalimumab biosimilar, Yuflyma (CT P17), had received European Commission (EC) approval.
Approaches to naming and labelling of biosimilars
Naming and labelling of biosimilars has been a controversial issue and there is a long-standing debate regarding the naming of biologicals.
EMA recommends approval of four bevacizumab biosimilars
The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 29 January 2021 that it had recommended granting marketing authorization for the bevacizumab biosimilars Alymsys and Oyavas. Then on 26 February 2021, the agency announced that it had recommended approval of the bevacizumab biosimilars Abevmy and Lextemy.
China accepts IND application for daratumumab copy biological HLX15
China-based drugmaker Shanghai Henlius Biotech (Henlius) announced on 13 January 2021 that the investigational new drug (IND) application for its daratumumab copy biological, HLX15, had been accepted by China’s drug regulator, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), allowing it to carry out clinical trials in the country.
Infliximab biosimilars for IBD patients: experience from Italy
In the last 20 years, biological drugs have become the mainstream therapy for patients affected by moderately-to-severely active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), even though they are associated with a significant increase in health-related costs. After the expiry of patents on originator drugs, the advent of antitumour necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α) biosimilars resulted in considerable cost-savings and increased patients’ access to these drugs. After having completed registration trials in rheumatic diseases [1, 2], the infliximab biosimilar CT P13 obtained approval based on a comprehensive comparability exercise, for all other indications, including IBD. Accordingly, physicians started to increasingly prescribe biosimilars for patients with IBD – including those that were both anti-TNF-α naïve and experienced. There is growing evidence that early introduction of biological therapy in IBD is associated with more favourable outcomes in the medium to long term. Keeping that in mind, it follows that the advent of biosimilars has the potential to allow more patients to have access to biological therapy at an earlier stage of disease, which could contribute to prevent disease progression and damage accumulation, with a consequential improvement in patients’ quality of life.
Different approaches to the interchangeability of biosimilars
The interchangeability of biosimilars can sometimes be an emotive subject. Despite reservations by prescribers, payers and patients, many countries have implemented policies allowing for the substitution of biologicals with biosimilars. However, there is still a lack of harmonization around the world when it comes to how different countries or regions approach the interchangeability of biosimilars [1].
Latest launches for adalimumab biosimilars in Canada and Japan
There has been a lot of news recently when it comes to adalimumab biosimilars. Sandoz, Fresenius Kabi, Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics/Mylan and Viatris have all announced launches of adalimumab biosimilars.
