Like biologicals, NBCDs consist of different (closely related) structures that cannot be fully quantitated, characterized or described by (physico-)chemical analytical tools. The composition and quality of NBCDs are dependent on the manufacturing process and controls – just as is the case with biologicals.

Examples of NBCDs include nanomedicines, such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, glatiramoids, iron-carbohydrate complexes and nanocrystals, as well as dry powder inhalers [1].

In their manuscript, Ehmann and Pita investigate marketing authorization procedures and legal basis of submission for NBCDs, as well as the harmonization of requirements for NBCDs across regions. They find that ‘the current EU regulatory framework for medicinal products has been proven to be robust and efficient for the evaluation of NBCDs, including nanomedicines, facilitating the deliverable of safe and efficacious medicines to patients’. They therefore conclude that ‘the EU network is ready for NBCDs’.

The NBCD Working Group authors [2], while agreeing that ‘in principle, EMA [European Medicines Agency] may have the legal basis to deal with NBCD products and their follow-on versions’, ‘in practice there is a list of ‘desiderata’ to be addressed. These include:
1. Strengthening the science base in the public domain to demonstrate equivalence of these products, for Europe as well as for the rest of the world
2. Taking appropriate actions and guidance when therapeutic inequivalence of products has been proven (from independent sources published in reputable journals)
3. Intensifying global harmonization efforts of reflection papers/guidance documents
4. Assisting in and support of educational actions to spread awareness and increase knowledge on the topic especially towards healthcare professionals to eventually assure optimal patient benefit by rational and correct drug treatment

Conflict of interest
The authors of the research paper [1] declared that the views expressed are those of the authors and should not be understood or quoted as being made on behalf of or reflecting the position of the European Medicines Agency.

The authors of the research paper [2] declared that the views expressed are those of the authors and should not be understood or quoted as being made on behalf of or reflecting the position of the individual organizations or the NBCD Working Group as a whole.

Editor’s comment
Readers interested in contributing a research or perspective paper in a similar topic to GaBI Journal – an independent, peer reviewed academic journal – please send us your submission here.

Related articles
EMA guidance for NBCDs and products approved 

Harmonization of requirements for NBCDs across regions

Marketing authorization for NBCDs in the EU

References
1. Ehmann F, Pita R. The EU is ready for non-biological complex medicinal products. Generics and Biosimilars Initiative Journal (GaBI Journal). 2016;5(1):30-5. doi:10.5639/gabij.2016.0501.008
2. Flühmann B, et al. Is the EU ready for non-biological complex drug products? Generics and Biosimilars Initiative Journal (GaBI Journal). 2016;5(3):101-2. doi:10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.026

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.

Copyright – Unless otherwise stated all contents of this website are © 2017 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.