Biosimilars/News
Indian firms may well take large slice of global biosimilars pie
Since the Indian government announced that it wants to make almost US$70 million (Euros 49.7 million) in funding available for the development of biosimilar medicines, Indian generics firms adapt their strategies and plan to go abroad. The proposed US$68 million (Euros 48.3 million) in funding just announced by India's Department of Biotechnology would be offered through the Biotech Industry Partnership Programme, with soft loans being available for biosimilar development at an interest rate of about 2%.
Third US biosimilars bill introduced: five years market exclusivity with user fee
On 26 March 2009 a third biosimilars bill was introduced in the US by Senators Chuck Schumer, Sherrod Brown, Jeanne Shaheen and Debbie Stabenow, Susan Collins, Mel Martinez and David Vitter. The bipartisan plan would give branded biologicals five years of market exclusivity, up to an additional three years to cover modifications, claiming this will give patients quicker access to cheaper drugs.
Biosimilars as effective and safe as expensive biologicals
Just like generic medicines, biosimilars could substantially reduce healthcare costs. Yet it seems that among physicians, pharmacists and patients there exists resistance against these cheaper versions of biotechnological medicines.
US biosimilars bill with competition after just five years
On 11 March 2009, Henry Waxman, Frank Pallone, Nathan Deal, and Jo Ann Emerson, all members of the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce, introduced the Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act (bipartisan bill HR 1427), to allow the US FDA to approve affordable ‘biosimilar’ copies of biotech drugs or ‘biologicals’.
Waxman: US biosimilars market opens this year
“Seeing a pathway for biological generics is one of my highest priorities this year,” US Congressman Henry Waxman said via a video link to the World Generics Medicines Congress Europe 2009, held in London, UK, in February.
