Biosimilars/Research
Biosimilar filgrastim highly similar to originator filgrastim
A study comparing Sandoz’s filgrastim biosimilar (Zarzio) with originator filgrastim (Neupogen) has shown that they are highly similar in terms of their structure and function [1].
Clinical trials of biosimilars for psoriasis treatment
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine, or protein, that prompts the body to create inflammation. In psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there is excess production of TNF-alpha in the skin or joints. Therefore, drugs that block TNF-alpha, such as Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab) and Stelara (ustekinumab), can be used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Considerations when promoting generics prescribing in the US
Sarpatwari and co-authors investigate the legal and ethical consideration for promoting generics prescribing in the US and how this might apply to biosimilars [1].
Adalimumab biosimilar meets primary endpoints in phase I study
US biotech company Oncobiologics announced on 12 February 2015 that ONS-3010, its adalimumab biosimilar candidate, met the primary endpoints in its first clinical study.
Promoting generics prescribing in the US
Sarpatwari and co-authors discuss physician-centered strategies used to promote generics prescribing in the US and how such strategies might apply to biosimilars [1].
Substitution of biosimilars in the US
The approval of the first biosimilar in the US, Zarxio (filgrastim), on 6 March 2015 [1], prompted Sarpatwari and co-authors to investigate how biosimilars might be substituted for originator biologicals in the US [2].
Substitution of generics in the US
In order to evaluate how strategies to promote the prescribing of generics by physicians in the US might apply to biosimilars, Sarpatwari and co-authors discuss the types of substitution possible with generics [1].
Comparison of the markets for biosimilars and generics
Health is a typical field where the economic theory of market competition does not enjoy the basic conditions to work and the pharmaceutical market is no exception. However, as soon as a patent expires, price competition is opened up.
Patient registry data supports efficacy and safety of Inflectra
US-based injectables specialist Hospira presented data on 19 February 2015 on the use of its biosimilar version of infliximab, Inflectra, at the 10th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO).
Paying physicians to prescribe generics and biosimilars in the US
Healthcare spending on prescription medications comprises 1.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the US and continues to rise. Brand-name prescription medications – both small-molecule and biological drugs – are the primary driver of this growth, increasing 15% in price in 2014 alone [1].
