Biosimilars/Research
Regulatory issues related to quality of biosimilars
The quality of biosimilars was one of the challenges identified from the results of a survey carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. The survey, which was carried out in 2019‒2020, revealed that despite the efforts of WHO in helping Member States implement the evaluation principles in the WHO biosimilar guidelines [2] into their regulatory practices, challenges still remain.
Biosimilars and lack of resources
The results of a survey carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019‒2020 [1] revealed that, despite the efforts of the organization in helping Member States implement the evaluation principles in the WHO biosimilar guidelines [2] into their regulatory practices, challenges still remain. Lack of resources was one of the challenges identified from the results of the survey.
Pharmacist-driven biosimilar substitution saves money
A study of pharmacist-driven substitution of brand-name biologicals with biosimilars has shown that this can lead to substantial cost savings in the setting of a community oncology practice.
Alvotech and Celltrion proceed with adalimumab and rituximab biosimilars
Iceland-based Alvotech has reached the primary completion date in a switching study for its adalimumab biosimilar, AVT02, while Celltrion Healthcare has released real-world data on the safety and efficacy of its rituximab biosimilar, Truxima, supporting its use as a treatment for lymphoma.
Canadian study says drug formulary policies do not improve biosimilar uptake
Traditional public drug programme formulary policies alone are not effective in affecting biosimilar uptake, according to a Canadian study published in JMCP [1].
Clinical trials begin for Bio-Thera’s golimumab copy biological
China-based Bio-Thera Solutions (Bio-Thera) have begun a phase III clinical trial for BAT2506, copy biological of the anti-inflammatory molecule Simponi (golimumab).
Bioequivalence of MYL-1402O to EU- and US-reference bevacizumab
The proposed bevacizumab biosimilar MYL-1402O demonstrated bioequivalence to European Union (EU)- and United States (US)-reference bevacizumab in a pharmacokinetic (PK) study of healthy adult male volunteers.
Biosimilars and availability of reference products
A survey was carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019‒2020 covering most current topics pertinent to biosimilars [1].
What drives negative perceptions of biosimilars?
A study of patients taking biological drugs in New Zealand identifies a number of attributes associated with negative perceptions of biosimilars, including being female, seeking information online, and preferring innovator drugs [1].
Clinical trials begin for ustekinumab biosimilars
Biosimilars firms BioFactura and Alvotech announce the start of clinical trials for their Stelara (ustekinumab) biosimilars, named BFI-751 and AVT04, respectively.
