The teriparatide biosimilar is being developed by Richter-Helm BioTec and will be launched under the Stada label throughout Europe following expiration of the patent on the originator product Forteo (teriparatide).

Teriparatide is a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone. It is an effective anabolic, i.e. bone growing agent used in the treatment of some forms of osteoporosis. Sales of Eli Lilly’s blockbuster drug Forteo were US$1.2 billion for 2013.

Stada already markets a biosimilar in Europe, Silapo (epoetin zeta) [1] and has also in-licensed a biosimilar filgrastim product (Grastofil) from Canada-based Apotex [2]. Stada also made a deal with Hungary-based Gedeon Richter (Richter) in 2011 for biosimilars of two monoclonal antibody products, rituximab and trastuzumab, which are used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases [3].

Stada has secured the license to market the teriparatide biosimilar in Europe and is preparing for a market launch in 2019. The company is also reportedly in talks over another biosimilar that could be introduced in 2017, but no deal has yet been struck.

No teriparatide biosimilars are yet marketed in Europe, however, several ‘similar biologics’ are already on the market in India [4].

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Originator biologicals approved and marketed in Germany

References
1.   GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars approved in Europe [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2014 Oct 17]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/Biosimilars-approved-in-Europe 
2.   GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Stada in-licenses biosimilar filgrastim [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2014 Oct 17]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/News/Stada-in-licenses-biosimilar-filgrastim 
3.   GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Stada and Richter to collaborate on biosimilar development [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2014 Oct 17]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/News/Stada-and-Richter-to-collaborate-on-biosimilar-development 
4.   GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. ‘Similar biologics’ approved and marketed in India [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2014 Oct 17]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/Similar-biologics-approved-and-marketed-in-India 

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