Biosimilars
Positive results for rituximab non-originator and copy biologicals
Positive results for the rituximab non-originator biological BCD-020 (AcellBia) and for the rituximab copy biological HLX01 (Hanlikon) have been presented at the European Congress of Rheumatology 2019 (EULAR 2019) [1, 2].
Positive phase III results for trastuzumab biosimilar HD201
Singapore-based Prestige BioPharma (Prestige) announced on 24 June 2019 positive phase III data for its trastuzumab biosimilar, HD201. The results, according to Prestige, ‘confirm the similarities between HD201 and trastuzumab’.
South Korea increases investment in biologicals
Investment in the biotech sector is ramping up in South Korea, with increased state-led support and private sector pledges.
Sandoz to start phase III trial for denosumab biosimilar
Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, is planning to start a phase III trial for its candidate denosumab biosimilar GP2411 in patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis in collaboration with Germany-based biosimilars maker Hexal.
FDA approves bevacizumab biosimilar Zirabev
US-based pharma giant Pfizer announced on 28 June 2019 that it had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its bevacizumab biosimilar Zirabev (PF-06439535).
Real-world data confirms safety of infliximab biosimilar CT-P13
Positive real-world data has been presented for Celltrion’s infliximab biosimilar CT P13 at the European Congress of Rheumatology 2019 (EULAR 2019).
Asian specialists' recommendations for off-patent biologicals in IBD
Gastroenterologists from across Asia have published a list of recommendations for the use of biologicals and off-patent biologicals in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Asia [1].
Positive phase III results for trastuzumab follow-on biological Zedora
Results of a post-marketing study of Biocon and Mylan’s trastuzumab biosimilar Zedora (MYL-1401O) compared to Herceptin (trastuzumab) has shown equivalent safety data to the originator biological in breast and gastric cancer, according to the authors [1].
How local policy measures and practices influence originator biological and biosimilar market dynamics in Sweden
The licensing of biologicals, including biosimilars, in Europe is centralized via the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Subsequently, individual European Member States are responsible for pricing, reimbursement and policies on market entry and use of medicines. This decentralized responsibility results in diverging approaches towards market entry and uptake of biosimilars and contributes to variation in the use of biosimilars across European countries, and even within countries differences in biosimilar uptake levels exist. The latter is the case for the 21 counties of Sweden, implying that decisions taken by their county councils play a role in market access of biosimilars, alongside policy measures and incentives provided at the national level.
FDA approves trastuzumab biosimilar Kanjinti
US-based pharma giant Amgen and Netherlands-based Allergan announced on 13 June 2019 that it had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its trastuzumab biosimilar Kanjinti (ABP 980).
