Biosimilars/Research
GaBI Journal is the number one journal publishing on biosimilars
The first ever global bibliometric analysis on biosimilars finds that GaBI Journal is the number one journal publishing on biosimilars. The study also shows that research on biosimilars is increasing, but is currently dominated by countries in the West such as the USA [1].
BiosanaPharma starts phase I trial for omalizumab biosimilar in Australia
Dutch biosimilars developer BiosanaPharma announced on 21 February 2019 that it had received permission from the Australian Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to start a phase I clinical trial of their first pipeline product, omalizumab.
ASCO/ASH give recommendations for biosimilar ESAs
Recommendations for biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in the management of cancer-associated anaemia have been issued by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
Biosimilars education still needed for US and EU clinicians
A review of the literature has concluded that healthcare providers are still cautious when it comes to biosimilars and that clinician-directed education is still needed to increase biosimilar knowledge, facilitate prescribing changes and increase use of biosimilars [1].
Pharmacokinetic assessment of biosimilar therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
Comparison of the clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of a biosimilar with that of the reference product is an important step in the development of biosimilars. In a recent review, Ishii-Watabe and Kuwabara outline key considerations for the comparative studies required for biosimilar development, focusing on the clinical PK profiles of biosimilar therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their reference products [1].
ASCO/ASH update ESA recommendations
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) have updated their recommendations on the management of cancer-associated anaemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
Biosimilar comparability assessment
In a recent review, Ishii-Watabe and Kuwabara summarize the principles of biosimilar development and outline key considerations for studies comparing a biosimilar with its reference product [1].
Comparability of biosimilar Ontruzant maintained over three years
Samsung Bioepis has presented positive long-term results for its trastuzumab biosimilar Ontruzant (SB3) at the 16th International Maternal Cancer Congress St Gallen 2019, which was held in Vienna, Austria.
Clinical development of a bevacizumab biosimilar
Authors, Kambiz Novin and Nafiseh Mortazavi, from medical faculties of Iranian Universities, discuss the methodological considerations for the clinical development of a bevacizumab biosimilar [1].
Economic considerations for biosimilars in the US
Smeeding and colleagues explore cost considerations related to biosimilars in the US, and present a broad perspective on value beyond price reduction in a recent review.
