Biosimilars/Research
The biosimilars market in Latin America: a summary
A review of the biosimilars market in Latin America [1] finds that Argentina, Brazil and Mexico have the largest number of approved similar biotherapeutic products (SBPs), while information in other countries is more limited. The review recommends investment in biotechnology hubs and further development of regulation on biological drugs.
Adalimumab copy biological shown to be safe and effective
Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Innovent Biologics’ adalimumab copy biological has shown comparable safety and efficacy to the originator drug, Humira (adalimumab), in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Sustainable biosimilar policies in Europe
A review of approaches to biosimilar policy in Europe [1] highlights key principles for a sustainable biosimilar market, including supporting innovation and allowing for multiple suppliers.
Biosimilar infliximab reduces medication costs by two thirds in Finland
A study of 54 people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Finland showed that switching to biosimilar infliximab has no significant impact on health-related quality of life or disease activity, while reducing costs by two thirds [1].
Trastuzumab biosimilar Kanjinti is stable over extended storage periods
An investigation of the quality and in-use stability of diluted trastuzumab biosimilar Kanjinti (also known as ABP 980) versus the reference trastuzumab demonstrated no clinically meaningful differences in stability and activity over extended storage periods, according to Crampton et al. [1].
Quotas improve biosimilar use in Germany
An assessment of the role of cost control measures on biological drugs in Germany finds that quotas for biosimilars are in some cases associated with increased use and are overall more effective than priority prescribing [1].
Denmark achieves 83% reduction in adalimumab costs through switching
Spending on adalimumab in Denmark decreased by almost 83% between September and December 2018, thanks to a mandatory switching policy.
Biosimilars in Belgium: increasing competition
Competition following the entry of biosimilars is still limited in Belgium, which is mirrored in low biosimilar market shares. Although (short-term) cost savings are realized by the implementation of mandatory price reductions on originator medicines (and obtaining high biosimilar market shares should thus not be a goal in itself), biosimilars can play a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Belgian off-patent biologicals market.
Positive phase I results for Innovent’s ipilimumab copy biological
China-based Innovent Biologics (Innovent) announced on 3 June 2020 positive phase I results for its candidate ipilimumab copy biological, IBI310.
Successfully transitioning patients with IBD to biosimilars
Pharmacists and physicians from the Boston Medical Center describe the successful transition of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using the originator infliximab biological, Remicade, to the infliximab biosimilar, Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) [1].
