Teriparatide is a bioactive form of parathyroid hormone which can promote bone formation and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. It has been sold by Eli Lilly under the brand name Forteo/Forsteo. Biosimilar versions have since been authorized for sale in the European Union and the US [1-2].

Alvogen announced in October 2019 exclusive commercialization agreements to allow them to distribute and market a teriparatide biosimilar (PF708) in Canada, Israel and South Korea.

PF708 is being developed by US biotech firm Pfenex, pursuant to the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway in the US [3]. The drug will be commercialized in Canada by Jamp, a leading Canadian pharmaceutical company; in Israel by Kamada, an international biopharmaceutical firm; and in South Korea by PharmBio, a speciality pharmaceutical company, subject to regulatory approvals.

Alvogen’s Executive Vice President Faysal Kalmoua said the company is proud to announce these strategic alliances.

‘Through these partnerships, Alvogen gains access to strong commercial networks in South Korea, Israel and Canada, as well as deep marketing experience within their respective territories, which will ultimately benefit patients, giving them better access to high quality biosimilars’.

Alvogen also plans to market the drug in Saudi Arabia, where it has already submitted a marketing authorization application to the Food and Drug Authority. The submission was made through a partnership with SAJA pharmaceuticals, which is a joint venture between a Saudi healthcare company and two Japanese pharmaceutical companies.

Related articles
Alvogen receives European approval for generic lenalidomide

Biosimilars of teriparatide

References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Teriparatide biosimilar Terrosa launched in Europe [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2019 Nov 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/News/Teriparatide-biosimilar-Terrosa-launched-in-Europe
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. FDA approves Pfenex’s follow-on teriparatide product [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2019 Nov 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/News/FDA-approves-Pfenex-s-follow-on-teriparatide-product
3. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Pfenex makes biosimilar deals with Alvogen and NT Pharma Europe [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2019 Nov 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Pharma-News/Pfenex-makes-biosimilar-deals-with-Alvogen-and-NT-Pharma

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 © 2019 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.