Biosimilars/Research

Safety of originator and biosimilar epoetin alfa drugs

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 23/11/2018

Researchers from Italy carried out a study to compare the safety profile of biosimilars with respect to the reference product in a nephrology setting. The results confirm the comparable safety profiles of originator and biosimilar epoetin alfa drugs when used in patients receiving dialysis [1].

Positive phase III data for adalimumab biosimilar Cyltezo

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 23/11/2018

Germany-based Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals (Boehringer Ingelheim) announced on 12 September 2018 positive phase III data for its adalimumab biosimilar, Cyltezo [1]. The results, according to Boehringer Ingelheim ‘confirm that Cyltezo is equivalent to Humira, with no clinically meaningful differences in efficacy safety and immunogenicity in people with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis’.

Phase I study suggests similarity of omalizumab biosimilar

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 16/11/2018

Indian generics maker Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (Glenmark) announced on 25 July 2018 that results from a phase I study suggest similarity in pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, safety and immunogenicity profiles between Glenmark’s proposed omalizumab biosimilar GBR 310 and the originator product Xolair (omalizumab).

Inflectra may not be less expensive than Remicade in US

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 09/11/2018

According to research carried out in the US, the cost of the infliximab biosimilar Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) was only moderately less expensive than the originator biological Remicade (infliximab) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and exceeded US$14,000 annually under Medicare# Part D*. In addition, out-of-pocket costs for patients taking Inflectra may be more than US$1,700 higher than for patients taking Remicade.

Real-life clinical effectiveness of Razumab in retinal vein occlusion

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/11/2018

Authors from Intas Pharmaceuticals presented data from a subgroup analysis of the RE-ENACT study (retrospective, multicentre, observational pooled study on wet age-related macular degeneration [wet AMD], diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion) [1]. The RE-ENACT study evaluated the effectiveness of the ranibizumab similar biologic Razumab in Indian patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Clinical and real-world data for switching to biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/11/2018

The evidence and issues associated with switching from originator biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biosimilars are discussed by authors from French universities and hospitals [1].

Mass spectrometry comparison of Remicade and Remsima

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/10/2018

The US entered the era of biosimilars in 2015 with its very first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved filgrastim biosimilar Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz) [1]. Since then, FDA has approved 11 more biosimilars [2]. Nevertheless, one concern with respect to the manufacturing of biosimilars is that every company has its own proprietary manufacturing process, which could potentially lead to differences in drug properties. Consequently, the debate on how ‘similar’ the biosimilar is to the originator still remains controversial. Thus, a comprehensive but rapid characterization platform that can validate any clinically meaningful differences is required. In this regard, Pisupati et al. [3] carried out a study comparing the reference product Remicade (infliximab) with the first US monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilar Remsima (Europe)/Inflectra (US) by incorporating state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based multiple-attribute monitoring (MAM).

Switching to etanercept biosimilar SB4 safe and effective in a hospital setting

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/10/2018

Authors of a study carried out at a UK hospital found switching to etanercept biosimilar SB4 to be safe and effective [1].

Expediting FDA approvals for biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 19/10/2018

A number of recommendations for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to simplify biosimilar licensing laws, and thus make biosimilars more accessible, are offered in a recent review [1]. Recommendations include allowing smaller batch sizes for testing, encouraging substitution for naïve patients, and removing the requirement for bridging studies.

Phase III trial for subcutaneous Remsima completed

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 19/10/2018

Celltrion Healthcare (Celltrion) announced on 29 August 2018 that it had completed a phase III study with the subcutaneous (SC) version of its infliximab biosimilar Remsima (CT‑P13).