Biosimilars
EMA recommends approval of bevacizumab biosimilar Onbevzi
The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 13 November 2020 that it had recommended granting marketing authorization for the bevacizumab biosimilar Onbevzi.
Scientific, legal and regulatory challenges facing biosimilars development
Abbreviated approval pathways for biosimilars – biological products that are highly similar to an originator biological with regard to quality, safety and efficacy [1, 2] – were created to foster competition and lower prices for biological treatments. However, these desired effects have not materialized as quickly as expected in either the US or the European Union.
Safety monitoring for immune-modulating biologicals
A study of adverse events among patients with autoimmune disease identifies numerous cases of serious infection. The study also demonstrates the ability of the Biologics and Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium (BBCIC) to function as a surveillance platform [1].
Biosimilar advances for Samsung Bioepis
Korea-based Samsung Bioepis (Samsung and Biogen’s joint venture) has announced several advances related to its infliximab, denosumab and ranibizumab biosimilars. These announcements come after the company revealed soaring sales figure in Europe.
EMA accepts application for bevacizumab biosimilar BAT1706
China-based Bio-Thera Pharmaceuticals (Bio-Thera) announced on 25 November 2020 that it had submitted an application for its proposed bevacizumab biosimilar, BAT1706, to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Australia approves etanercept and insulin aspart biosimilars
Australia’s drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), announced in October 2020 the approval of etanercept and insulin aspart biosimilars.
Real-world data on biosimilars in inflammatory arthritis treatment
The use of biologicals in patients with rheumatic diseases has achieved the therapeutic target, i.e. remission or low disease activity. The share of biologicals has been growing with the approval of biosimilars, which have been recognized for their equivalent efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity to the originator, as well as their reduced economic burden.
Genentech sues Centus over Avastin biosimilar
Genentech Inc. filed a complaint against Centus in the United States (US) state of Texas on 15 November 2020. It is alleged that Centus’s Equidacent, a biosimilar to Genentech’s Avastin (bevacizumab), infringes 10 US patents.
Study reveals wide variation in US state drug product substitution laws
A new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine [1], has revealed substantial variation in the drug product substitution rules for pharmacists across states in the US.
FDA accepts application for ranibizumab biosimilar
Korea-based Samsung Bioepis (Samsung and Biogen’s joint venture) and partner US biotechnology company Biogen announced on 18 November 2020 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted the application for their proposed ranibizumab biosimilar (SB11).
