The Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2022) was held at the beginning of June 2022. This platform was used to announce the results of a study that showed that, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, statistically greater improvements in clinical outcomes with subcutaneous infliximab, compared to intravenous infliximab. In addition, Samsung Bioepis announced new data on their established adalimumab biosimilar Imraldi (Hadlima outside Europe).
Subcutaneous infliximab
EULAR 2022 was the platform for researchers to announce the results of a new post-hoc analysis of a pivotal phase III randomized controlled clinical trial related to subcutaneous or intravenous infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This showed that when patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were given either subcutaneous or intravenous infliximab for 30 weeks, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of subcutaneous treatment. This related to all clinical variables, including low disease activity rates and remission rate. In addition, when patients were switched at Week 30 from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab, the proportion of patients achieving either low disease activity rates or a ‘good response’, was increased at Week 54. This suggests improved responses after switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab.
Subcutaneous infliximab is produced by Celltrion, who have already presented findings related to its use in the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1]. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis. The originator/reference blockbuster drug was developed by and is sold as Remicade [2].
Samsung Bioepis’ adalimumab biosimilar
EULAR 2022 was also the platform for Samsung Bioepis to announce new data from the phase I study of the new formulation of their adalimumab biosimilar (SB5). The randomized, single-blind, two-arm, parallel group, single-dose study in healthy subjects, demonstrated pharmacokinetic equivalence between the new SB5 formulation and the original SB5 formulation.
In addition, the company designed a pan-European real-world study, ‘PROPER’ (sponsored by Biogen GmbH), to provide insights into outcomes of the transition from reference adalimumab to adalimumab biosimilar (SB5). The results of this study showed that treatment effectiveness was maintained at 48 weeks after switching from reference adalimumab to SB5, with most patients continuing on SB5 throughout.
SB5 was first approved in Europe in 2017 [3]. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of a number of inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and IBD. It targets the inflammatory molecule tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α), and is sold under the brand name Humira by the originator company, AbbVie [4].
Related articles
Samsung to take full control of Samsung Bioepis
Advances for biotech in Korea: Samsung Bioepis, Celltrion and LG Chem
Multiple successive switches between infliximab biosimilars in IBD
Switching to biosimilars safe and effective in IBD patients
Biosimilars of adalimumab
LATIN AMERICAN FORUM The new section of the ‘Latin American Forum’ on GaBI has been launched. The objective of this new section is to provide you with all the latest news and updates on developments of generic and biosimilar medicines in Latin America in Spanish. View last week’s headline article: Directrices revisadas de la OMS para los biosimilares: antecedentes científicos Browse the news in the Latin American Forum! Register to receive the GaBI Latin American Forum newsletter. Inform colleagues and friends of this new initiative. LATIN AMERICAN FORUM Se ha lanzado la nueva sección del ‘Foro Latinoamericano’ sobre GaBI. El objetivo de esta nueva sección es brindarle las últimas noticias y actualizaciones sobre desarrollos de medicamentos genéricos y biosimilares en América Latina en español. Vea el artículo principal de la semana pasada: Directrices revisadas de la OMS para los biosimilares: antecedentes científicos !Explore las noticias en el Foro Latinoamericano! Regístrese para recibir el boletín informativo GaBI Foro Latinoamericano. Informe a colegas y amigos sobre esta nueva iniciativa.
|
References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilar advances for Celltrion Healthcare [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2022 Jul 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/Biosimilar-advances-for-Celltrion-Healthcare
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. EMA receives second application for biosimilar infliximab [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2022 Jul 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/EMA-receives-second-application-for-biosimilar-infliximab
3. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars approved in Europe [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2022 Jul 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/biosimilars-approved-in-europe
4. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. New data on adalimumab biosimilars from Samsung Bioepis and Boehringer Ingelheim [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2022 Jul 15]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/research/new-data-on-adalimumab-biosimilars-from-samsung-bioepis-and-boehringer-ingelheim
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 © 2022 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.
Comments (0)
Post your comment