Biosimilars/News
Three more biosimilar approvals in Canada in 2023
In Canada, three biosimilars were approved in late 2023. These are, Amgen’s Wezlana (ustekinumab), JAMP/Alvotech’s Jamteki (ustekinumab), and Formycon/Polpharma Biologics/Bioeq’s Ranopto (ranibizumab).
FDA approves interchangeable adalimumab biosimilar Simlandi
On 23 February 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alvotech and Teva’s Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) injection as an interchangeable biosimilar to AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab).
EMA recommends approval of first omalizumab biosimilar Omlyclo
On 21 March 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 Omlyclo (omalizumab), Celltrion's biosimilar of the reference product Xolair.
China approves first denosumab copy biological Maiweijian
On 3 April 2024, China-based biopharmaceutical company Mabwell announced that their Maiweijian (denosumab) injection, developed by its wholly-owned subsidiary T-mab, obtained the marketing approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This product is the first denosumab copy biologicalto receive marketing approval in China.
EMA recommends approval of first denosumab biosimilar Jubbonti and Wyost
On 21 March 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorisation for Sandoz’s medicinal products, Jubbonti and Wyost (denosumab), which are biosimilars of Amgen’s reference products Prolia and Xgeva, respectively.
First denosumab biosimilars approved in Canada and the US
The first and only denosumab biosimilars for osteoporosis and increasing bone mass were approved in Canada and the US in February and March 2024.
Clinical study advances for Alvotech golimumab and Dr Reddy’s rituximab biosimilars
In January 2023, Alvotech announced that it has initiated a pharmacokinetic study for AVT05, a biosimilar candidate to Simponi® and Simponi Aria® (golimumab). In addition, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd announced the successful completion of clinical studies of its proposed rituximab biosimilar candidate, DRL_RI. This is now ready for filing in markets such as the US and Europe.
Dr Reddy's launches bevacizumab biosimilar Versavo in the UK
On 19 March 2024, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories announced that it would be launching Versavo, a bevacizumab biosimilar, in the UK.
EMA recommends approval of ustekinumab biosimilar Pyzchiva
On 22 February 2024, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for the medicinal product Pyzchiva (ustekinumab), a biosimilar of reference product Stelara.
EC approval of ranibizumab biosimilar Rimmyrah
The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for ranibizumab biosimilar Rimmyrah on 5 January 2024. The biosimilar was developed by Qilu Pharma.
