Biosimilars/Research
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].
EULAR recommendations for DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has updated its recommendations on the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) [1].
Positive phase Ib results for TYVYT + bevacizumab copy biological IBI305
China-based Innovent Biologics (Innovent) announced on 1 June 2020 positive results for a phase I trial of its candidate bevacizumab copy biological, IBI305, in combination with TYVYT (sintilimab injection) in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common form of liver cancer.
Clinical equivalence in oncology biosimilar trials
Researchers from the US propose using restricted mean survival time (RMST) rather than the overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in clinical trials evaluating the equivalence of biosimilars [1].
Use of biosimilar infliximab gives savings for patients
Canadian researchers carried out a cost-utility analysis of switching from reference to biosimilar infliximab compared to maintaining reference infliximab in adult patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). From this analysis they found that using biosimilar infliximab resulted in cost savings for patients [1].
