Biosimilars/News
EMA recommends approval of four ustekinumab biosimilars: Eksunbi, Fymskina, Otulfi, Steqeyma
On 25 July and 27 June 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending the granting of marketing authorization for four ustekinumab biosimilars.
FDA approves filgrastim biosimilar Nypozi
In addition to the biosimilars approval of Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe), with a provisional determination for interchangeability designation [1], and Ahzantive (aflibercept-mrbb) [2] on 28 June 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved Tanvex BioPharma’s Nypozi (filgrastim-txid) biosimilar, which references Amgen’s Neupogen.
FDA approves third aflibercept biosimilar Ahzantive
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was busy in June 2024. On 28 June 2024, the FDA granted approval for Formycon’s Ahzantive (aflibercept-mrbb), making it the third approval for a biosimilar referencing Eylea.
Richmond to launch similar biologicals bevacizumab Yriviak and adalimumab Armixa
On 22 July 2024, the Argentina-based Laboratorios Richmond announced the launch of Yriviak, a bevacizumab similar biological, in Argentina. In the coming months, Richmond plans to launch their adalimumab similar biological, Armixa.
China approves Simcare’s cetuximab beta Enlituo
On 25 June 2024, Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group based in Nanjing, China, announced that Enlituo, a cetuximab beta injection, had received marketing approval from the China National Medical Administration (NMPA). This new-generation anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody drug was developed in collaboration with Mabpharm Limited.
FDA approves third ustekinumab biosimilar Pyzchiva
On 28 June 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a third ustekinumab biosimilar, Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe). This product has been developed by Samsung Bioepis and is commercialised by Sandoz. It is a biosimilar of reference product Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Stelera.
FDA approves first eculizumab biosimilar Bkemv for two rare diseases
On 28 May 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Amgen's Bkemv (eculizumab-aeeb), the first biosimilar to AstraZeneca's rare blood disorder treatment Soliris approved in the US.
EC biosimilar approvals: Omlyclo, Jubbonti/Wyost, and Pyzchiva
The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for four biosimilars. They are Celltrion’s Omlyclo (omalizumab), Sandoz’s denosumab biosimilars Jubbonti and Wyost, and Samsung Bioepis’ Pyzchiva (ustekinumab). Furthermore, the EC approves expanded indication for Samsung Bioepis' Epysqli (eculizumab) to include treatment of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).
EMA recommends approval of biosimilar bevacizumab Avzivi
On 30 May 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending the granting of marketing authorization for Avzivi (bevacizumab), Bio-Thera Solutions’ (Bio-Thera) biosimilar of the reference product Avastin.
FDA approves first interchangeable aflibercept biosimilars to treat macular degeneration
On 20 May 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Biocon Biologic’s Yesafili (aflibercept-jbvf) and Samsung Bioepis and Biogen's Opuviz (aflibercept-yszy) as the first interchangeable biosimilars to Regeneron and Bayer's Eylea (aflibercept). The Samsung Bioepis product has also been launched in South Korea under brand name, Afilivu.
