Biosimilars/News
More biosimilars collaborations on the cards
Collaborations for biosimilars are still in vogue, with the latest companies making deals being PlantForm Corporation (PlantForm) with PharmaPraxis and Oncobiologics and Laboratorios Liomont.
Epirus and Ranbaxy sign agreement for infliximab 'similar biologic'
Epirus Switzerland, a subsidiary of US-based Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, and India-based Ranbaxy Laboratories (Ranbaxy) announced on 9 January 2013 that the two companies had signed a licensing agreement for BOW015, an infliximab biosimilar.
FDA accepts applications for three-times-weekly follow-on Copaxone
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted applications submitted by generics makers Dr Reddy’s, Sandoz (Momenta Pharmaceuticals’ development and commercialization partner), and Mylan for three-times-weekly follow-on versions of blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate).
Coherus starts phase III biosimilar etanercept trial
US-based biosimilars developer Coherus BioSciences (Coherus) announced on 23 June 2014 the start of a global phase III trial for a biosimilar version of etanercept.
Biosimilar infliximab receives approval in Japan and Turkey
South Korean biotechnology company Celltrion announced on 4 and 16 July 2014 that the company had received marketing approval for its biosimilar Remsima (infliximab) in Japan and Turkey, respectively.
FDA accepts biosimilar filgrastim application
Sandoz, the generic drug division of Swiss drug giant Novartis, announced on 24 July 2014 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted its application for approval of the company’s biosimilar filgrastim product.
EMA approves biosimilar insulin
The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 27 June 2014 that it had recommended granting of marketing authorization for a biosimilar insulin glargine product (LY2963016).
Oncobiologics and IPCA create biosimilars alliance
US-based Oncobiologics announced on 2 June 2014 the creation of a two-part alliance for the development, manufacture and commercialization of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies with Indian generics maker IPCA Labs (IPCA).
Biosimilars developer Coherus raises US$55 million investment
US-based biosimilars developer Coherus BioSciences (Coherus) announced on 19 May 2014 that it had raised investments of US$55 million. New investors KKR & Co LP, Venrock, RA Capital Management, Rock Springs Capital and Fidelity Biosciences joined existing investors Sofinnova Ventures, Lilly Ventures and Vivo Capital.
Celltrion starts phase III biosimilar trastuzumab trial
South Korean biotechnology company Celltrion is starting a phase III clinical trial for its biosimilar trastuzumab candidate (CT-P6) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) early breast cancer, according to the European Union’s Clinical Trials Register.
