Biosimilars/News
FDA approves bevacizumab biosimilar Mvasi
On 14 September 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its first biosimilar for the treatment of cancer.
Second etanercept biosimilar approved in Canada
Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, announced on 21 August 2017 that its etanercept biosimilar, Erelzi, is now available in Canada.
Sanofi receives tentative FDA approval for insulin lispro biosimilar
Pharma giant Sanofi announced on 1 September 2017 that it had received tentative approval for Admelog, its insulin lispro biosimilar, from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Two trastuzumab biosimilars submitted to FDA
Two different groups announced that their trastuzumab biosimilars had been successfully submitted to the US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) for review.
EC approval for three rituximab biosimilars
On 13 July 2017, three rituximab biosimilars, Blizima, Rituzena (previously Tuxella) and Ritemvia, received European Commission (EC) approval.
Boehringer Ingelheim starts phase III interchangeability trial for adalimumab biosimilar
Germany-based Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals (Boehringer Ingelheim) announced on 27 July 2017 that the first patient had been enrolled into the phase III VOLTAIRE‑X interchangeability study of its adalimumab biosimilar (BI 695501). The company says the trial ‘is the first study in the US to investigate an interchangeability designation for an adalimumab biosimilar candidate’.
FDA approves adalimumab biosimilar Cyltezo
On 25 August 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its second biosimilar version of AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab).
EC approval for adalimumab biosimilar Imraldi
Samsung Bioepis announced on 25 August 2017 that it had received European Commission (EC) approval for its biosimilar adalimumab product Imraldi.
Hanwha to transfer biosimilar etanercept technology to Merck KGaA
South Korea’s Hanwha Chemical Corporation (Hanwha) has reportedly signed a contract with German drug maker Merck KGaA (Merck Group) to export the technology to make its biosimilar etanercept drug.
Biocad’s rituximab ‘similar biologic’ recommended for approval in India
Russian biotechnology company Biocad announced on 4 July 2017 that it would ‘soon’ receive marketing approval for its rituximab ‘similar biologic’ in India under the trade name Acellbia.
