Biosimilars
ASCO/ASH update ESA recommendations
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) have updated their recommendations on the management of cancer-associated anaemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
Biosimilar comparability assessment
In a recent review, Ishii-Watabe and Kuwabara summarize the principles of biosimilar development and outline key considerations for studies comparing a biosimilar with its reference product [1].
FDA to hold public meeting on access to affordable insulin
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking input on the challenges and opportunities the agency should consider as it prepares for the submission and review of applications for biosimilar and interchangeable insulin products, as well as about the development process for such products.
Comparability of biosimilar Ontruzant maintained over three years
Samsung Bioepis has presented positive long-term results for its trastuzumab biosimilar Ontruzant (SB3) at the 16th International Maternal Cancer Congress St Gallen 2019, which was held in Vienna, Austria.
Intas launches trastuzumab similar biologic in India at 65% discount
India-based generics maker Intas Pharmaceuticals (Intas) announced on 9 April 2019 the launch of its product Eleftha, a ‘similar biologic’ of trastuzumab, in India. The new product, claims the company, will bring down the cost of breast cancer treatment by nearly 65%.
Clinical development of a bevacizumab biosimilar
Authors, Kambiz Novin and Nafiseh Mortazavi, from medical faculties of Iranian Universities, discuss the methodological considerations for the clinical development of a bevacizumab biosimilar [1].
Biosimilar drug packaging does not meet EU guidelines on readability
Analysis of 35 biosimilar medicines licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) finds packaging to be more complex than recommended. None of the packaging leaflets analysed were found to be ‘easy to understand’, with sections on therapeutic indication and side effects found to be the most complex [1].
Rituximab biosimilar Truxima approved in Canada
Teva Canada Innovation, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, announced on 10 April 2019 that Health Canada had approved its rituximab biosimilar Truxima. This marks the first rituximab biosimilar to be approved by the Canadian medicines’ regulator.
Eli Lilly to introduce half-price authorized insulin biosimilar in US
With high drug prices increasingly coming into the spotlight, Eli Lilly has announced that it will introduce a lower-priced authorized biosimilar version of its diabetes treatment Humalog (insulin lispro) in the US.
Economic considerations for biosimilars in the US
Smeeding and colleagues explore cost considerations related to biosimilars in the US, and present a broad perspective on value beyond price reduction in a recent review.
