Biosimilars/Research

How the FDA regulates biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/06/2017

The advent of recombinant DNA-technology ushered in the development of novel therapeutic protein products that have become mainstays of treatment regimens against cancer, inflammatory disorders and other serious diseases and conditions. Recombinant therapeutic proteins are typically large, complex molecules that are produced in cultured cells and manufactured using complex, multistep purification processes. Despite some of these products being ‘off-patent’ for years, they remain among the most expensive pharmaceuticals in the US and the world. One approach that governments across the globe have taken to reduce healthcare costs is to give regulatory authorities the ability to approve biologicals using an abbreviated licensing pathway that includes achieving the rigorous standard of demonstrating ‘biosimilarity’ with an already approved biological product.

Positive phase III results for Sandoz’s adalimumab biosimilar

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 02/06/2017

A phase III study of a proposed adalimumab biosimilar (GP2017) from Sandoz has met its primary endpoint ‘demonstrating equivalent efficacy’ to AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab).

Biosimilars in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/05/2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is mainly characterized by two chronic, relapsing, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Approximately 1.4 million Americans are affected by IBD and afflicted with recurrent symptoms of bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and other co-morbid conditions. The introduction of biologicals, highly complex molecules manufactured from living organisms, was a revolutionary advance in treating threatening and life-debilitating inflammatory diseases. Biologicals, particularly those that target tumour necrosis factor (TNF) signalling, have provided IBD patients with an efficacious method of treatment with regards to symptom management and mucosal healing. Nevertheless, the rising prevalence of IBD worldwide and the ever-increasing cost burden of biologicals in the healthcare industry is alarming for insurance companies, clinicians and patients.

EMA guidance for NBCDs and products approved

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 26/05/2017

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published reflection papers on nanomedicines and their follow-on versions [1]. It has also published a wide range of other guidance, which outlines the technical requirements to demonstrate the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines that may also be applicable to non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs), according to authors Ehmann and Pita [2].

Danish infliximab switching study shows no difference

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 19/05/2017

A study published by researchers from Denmark has found that switching from originator to biosimilar infliximab has ‘no negative impact on disease activity’ [1].

Post-marketing experience with IBD biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 19/05/2017

The introduction of anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), about two decades ago, has revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, they are also expensive and their cost can lead to restricted access for many patients.

Accountability, safety and competition in biologicals markets

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 12/05/2017

Regulatory systems for drug approval aim to reduce the likelihood of drug-related safety problems, but cannot fully eliminate post-marketing safety events. Such safety problems can have substantial consequences for patient’s well-being. For example, the most severe class of recalls issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) occur about once per month, and have recently been increasing in frequency [1]. Post-marketing surveillance or pharmacovigilance systems enable monitoring of and response to safety problems that may be undetected before drugs reach the general market [2]. When a safety problem occurs, successful identification of the responsible firm, or accountability, depends on the information available to the pharmacovigilance effort [3, 4].

Computer modelling for glycoengineering of biosimilars

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 05/05/2017

In order to be approved by regulatory agencies, biosimilars are required to match all pharmacological properties of the originator protein drug to guarantee efficacy and alleviate safety concerns.

Prospective study finds switching to biosimilar infliximab safe

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 28/04/2017

A study of the infliximab biosimilar Remsima has, according to the authors, shown similar ‘safety and survival’ of biosimilar infliximab Remsima compared to the originator biological Remicade [1].

Rituximab biosimilar safe in advanced follicular lymphoma patients

Biosimilars/Research | Posted 21/04/2017

A study of the rituximab biosimilar CT‑P10 has, according to the authors, ‘demonstrated’ similar pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety when administered in combination with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone (CVP) in patients with newly diagnosed advanced follicular lymphoma (AFL) [1].