Biosimilars/News
Alvotech invests US$250 million in biosimilars
Iceland-based biopharmaceutical company Alvotech announced on 5 December 2013 that it would invest US$250 million to build a plant in Reykjavik for the development and manufacture of a portfolio of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies.
Biosimilar trastuzumab approved in Korea
South Korean biotechnology company Celltrion announced on 15 January 2014 that it had received approval for its biosimilar monoclonal antibody Herzuma (trastuzumab) with the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, formerly Korea Food and Drug Administration).
Remsima approved in Colombia
On 16 December 2013, Colombia’s National Institute of Food and Drug Monitoring (INVIMA – Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos Y Alimentos) announced the approval of Remsima (infliximab) – the first producto bioterapéutico similar (similar biotherapeutic product) to be approved in Colombia.
Sandoz starts phase III biosimilar adalimumab trial
Sandoz, the generic drug division of Swiss drug giant Novartis, announced on 18 December 2013 the start of a phase III clinical trial for a biosimilar version of adalimumab in patients suffering from psoriasis.
Teva launches new biologicals in Europe and US
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) announced on 18 November 2013 the first EU launch for its new long-acting filgrastim molecule Lonquex (lipegfilgrastim) in Germany and the launch of its short-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G‑CSF) Granix (tbo-filgrastim) in the US.
Avesthagen and Elpen make deal for biosimilar darbepoetin alfa
Indian life science company Avesthagen Pharma (Avesthagen) announced on 19 November 2013 that it had entered into a biosimilars agreement with Greece-based Elpen Pharmaceutical (Elpen).
Indian regulator approves first trastuzumab ‘similar biologic’
India’s drug regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), has granted marketing approval for the world first trastuzumab ‘similar biologic’.
Merck Serono to transfer technology for six similar biotherapeutic products to Brazil
The Brazilian Ministry of Health (Ministério da Saúde) announced on 7 November 2013 a partnership between Brazil’s Bionovis, Fiocruz and Instituto Vital Brazil (IVB) with Germany’s Merck Serono for the production of six ‘similar biotherapeutic products’ for cancer and arthritis.
EMA approves first monoclonal antibody biosimilar
The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) announced on 28 June 2013 that it had recommended granting of marketing authorization for the first monoclonal antibody biosimilar, marketed under two trade names, Remsima (Celltrion) and Inflectra (Hospira) with different marketing authorization, different EPAR, and different packaging.
Teva gains FDA approval for three-times-a-week Copaxone
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) announced on 28 January 2013 the generics giant had gained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a new formulation of its blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate).
