Biosimilars
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).
Recommendations for similar biotherapeutic products published by Latin American MS experts
Recommendations for the use of similar biotherapeutic products for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been issued by a group of experts from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Alteogen gains approval to start aflibercept biosimilar trial in Korea
South Korean biologicals company Alteogen announced on 22 May 2019 that it had gained approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to initiate a clinical trial for its aflibercept biosimilar, ALT‑L9.
Positive phase I results for Bio-Thera’s bevacizumab copy biological
China-based Bio‑Thera Solutions (Bio‑Thera) has published phase I results for its candidate bevacizumab copy biological, BAT1706 [1].
Is switching to biosimilar infliximab safe?
Building on a number of studies on biosimilar infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a recent review shows switching to CT-P13 is safe, but more evidence is needed on switching back to originator and switching between biosimilars [1].
