Biosimilars
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).
Asia Pacific countries: future demand for biosimilars
The prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis have been increasing globally, resulting in an ever-growing need for biologicals that are affordable and accessible in the Asia Pacific countries (APAC). Biosimilars are ‘similar’ versions of approved and authorized biological medicines that are already on the market. They typically sell at discounts ranging from 20% to 35% when compared to the reference product [1]. It is expected that introduction of biosimilars into the global markets will erode the total sales of biologicals by as much as 54% through 2022 [2]. Various regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) actively regulate development and commercialization of biosimilars.
Biosimilar toolkit for cancer patients
The European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) has launched a biosimilars e-module, or toolkit [1]. This aims to teach patients about the value of biosimilars.
Biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars: regulatory challenges for global harmonization of GMP standards
A recent GaBI Journal [1] article by Sia et al. has explored biopharmaceutical good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards around the globe. The authors uncovered the challenges faced in attempting to achieve global harmonization of biopharmaceutical GMP standards.
