Guidelines

BSG guidance recommends switching to biosimilar infliximab

The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) released new guidance in February 2016 recommending that stable patients be switched to biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13).

FDA releases 47 new and revised bioequivalence guidelines for generics

Generics makers have a whole host of new bioequivalence documents to go through. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 27 January 2016 that it had released 35 new draft guidance documents and 12 revisions to guidance documents on bioequivalence requirements for the development of generics containing 42 different active ingredients.

FDA finalizes guidance for biosimilars meetings

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 18 November 2015 that it had finalized its guidance for industry on formal meetings between the FDA and biosimilars sponsors.

Health Canada issues draft revised SEB guideline

Canada’s federal department responsible for health, Health Canada, has issued a new draft revised guidance document on the information and submission requirements for subsequent entry biologics (SEBs). The draft guideline, issued on 7 December 2015, provides guidance to sponsors to enable them to satisfy the information and regulatory requirements under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations for the authorization of SEBs in Canada.

EMA to revise biosimilar interferon alfa guidance

On 4 January 2016, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) released a draft concept paper on the revision of the reflection paper on non-clinical and clinical development of interferon alfa biosimilars. The draft will be released for a three-month consultation period by the pharmaceutical industry and competent authorities of the Member States, as well as by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and its working parties.

EU guidelines for biosimilars

Last update: 8 January 2016

The regulatory body for approval of medicines in the European Union (EU) is the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The agency is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the EU.

FDA issues final guidance on generics information requests

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued final guidance for generics makers on how to make formal requests for information. The final guideline, issued on 29 September 2015, provides information regarding the process by which generics makers can submit correspondence to FDA requesting information on generics development.

India to revise ‘similar biologics’ guideline

The Indian Ministry of Health is planning to revise its guidelines for approving ‘similar biologics’. The ministry aims to make the regulatory pathway more robust and to align the guidelines further with global guidelines for biosimilars.

GPhA challenges FDA guidance on size and shape of generic pills

In June 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published guidance on the size, shape and other physical attributes of generic tablets and capsules [1]. However, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) has raised a number of concerns about the guidance.

FDA to hold public meeting on reauthorization of BsUFA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking specific suggestions on potential changes to the Biosimilar User Fee Act (BsUFA) performance goals ahead of negotiations to reauthorize the law.