Biosimilars/General

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – June 2018

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Biosimilar infliximab blocked in Australia

Switzerland-based drug giant F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) has gained a temporary order in an Australian Federal Court blocking Sandoz from launching its rituximab biosimilar.

AbbVie and Samsung Bioepis reach patent deal over Humira biosimilar

Biosimilars maker Samsung Bioepis announced on 5 April 2018 that it had reached a ‘global resolution’ with pharma giant AbbVie ending all patent litigation regarding AbbVie’s blockbuster arthritis drug Humira (adalimumab).

Spanish associations sign biosimilars collaboration

The Spanish Association of Biosimilar Medicines (BioSim) announced on 21 March 2018 that BioSim and the Federation of Spanish Medical Scientific Associations (FACME) have signed a collaboration agreement that includes the creation of a joint working group to share up-to-date information on biosimilars.

WuXi Biologics expands its biologicals manufacturing facilities

China-based WuXi Biologics, headquartered in Wuxi city of Jiangsu Province, is expanding its biologicals manufacturing capacity with new facilities planned in Ireland, China, Singapore and the US.

Biosimilars highlights for 2017

There are many product launches and various topics such as naming, extrapolation, interchangeability and switching of biosimilars in 2017 [1]. Important milestones achieved during 2017 were the biosimilar approvals of Renflexis (infliximab-abda), Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm), Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb), Ixifi (infliximab‑qbtx), and Ogivri (trastuzumab-dkst), along with the approval of follow-on insulin lispro biological Admelog, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Biosimilars of cetuximab

Last Update: 13 April 2018

Cetuximab is a chimeric (mouse/human) monoclonal antibody. It inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer.

US drug contracting system is ‘rigged’ against biosimilars

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb has said that the drug contracting system in the US is ‘rigged’ against biosimilars. His remarks came during a speech he made on 7 March 2018 at the America’s Health Insurance Plans National Health Policy Conference in Washington DC.

Cadila and Kalbe advancing biosimilar ambitions

Indian generics maker Cadila Healthcare (Cadila) and Indonesia-based Kalbe Farma (Kalbe) are both making advances into the biosimilars field.

Biosimilars of pegaspargase

Pegaspargase is a modified enzyme. It is a form of L-asparaginase which has undergone PEGylation. It is used as an anticancer (‘antineoplastic’ or ‘cytotoxic’) chemotherapy drug. It is indicated for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and for treatment of patients who have had a hypersensitivity reaction to another form of asparaginase.

Biosimilars of certolizumab pegol

Certolizumab pegol is a monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α). More precisely, it is a PEGylated Fab’ fragment of a humanized TNF inhibitor monoclonal antibody. It is indicated for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Brazilian oncologists favour ‘follow-on biological products’

The Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC) has issued a position statement on ‘follow-on biological products’ in oncology. The statement reflects the society’s views on issues such as naming, labelling, safety and efficacy, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, switching and substitution of ‘follow-on biological products’, as well as on the potential impact ‘follow-on biological products’ may have on the financial burden in health care [1].

Spanish gastroenterologists update biosimilar position statement

The Spanish Society of Gastroenterology (Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva,SEPD) has updated its position statement on the use of biosimilars for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1]. The changes in the society’s position reflect the increasing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of biosimilars.

ASCO issues position statement on biosimilars in oncology

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has issued a position statement on biosimilars in oncology. The statement reflects the society’s views on issues such as naming, labelling, safety and efficacy, interchangeability, switching and substitution of biosimilars, as well as on the value of biosimilars and prescriber and patient education [1].

‘Similar biologics’ approved and marketed in India

Last update: 15 February 2018

There have been established guidelines for approving generic versions of small molecule chemical drugs in India for some time already. However, no specific guidelines for ‘similar biologics’, as the Indian regulatory authorities call these products, existed in India until 2012. This has been the case despite the fact that the requirements for granting regulatory approval for such ‘similar biologics’ required more data than for a simple generic drug application [1].

Quebec adds biosimilar etanercept Erelzi to public drug plan

In August 2017, Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, announced that its etanercept biosimilar, Erelzi, was now available in Canada [1], after the company received Health Canada approval for the biosimilar in April 2017. Quebec is now the most recent Canadian province to add Erelzi to its public drug plan for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases.

Mylan/Momenta announce development strategy for aflibercept biosimilar

US generics giant Mylan and partner Momenta Pharmaceuticals announced on 3 January 2017 their development strategy for their aflibercept biosimilar, M710.

Biosimilars of insulin lispro

Last update: 26 January 2018

Insulin lispro is a fast acting insulin analogue used to treat people living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Insulin lispro has one primary advantage over regular insulin for postprandial glucose control. It has a shortened delay of onset, allowing slightly more flexibility than regular insulin, which requires a longer waiting period before starting a meal after injection. Both types should be used in combination with a longer acting insulin for good glycaemic control.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – January 2018

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Roche sues Pfizer over Herceptin biosimilar

Switzerland-based drug giant Roche has sued pharma giant Pfizer for patent infringement on its blockbuster breast cancer drug Herceptin (trastuzumab) in an attempt to block competition from Pfizer’s trastuzumab biosimilar.

EC publishes biosimilar Q&A document for patients in 23 languages

On 29 November 2017, the European Commission (EC) published a patient-focused Questions and Answers (Q&A) document on biosimilar medicines aimed at patients and the general public.

Biosimilars of palivizumab

Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. It targets the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) inhibiting its entry into the cell and thereby preventing infection. Palivizumab is therefore used in the prevention of RSV infections.

UK launches campaign to promote research on biosimilars

A new campaign launched by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to unlock the potential benefits of biosimilars in the National Health Service (NHS) through clinical trials.

Hospira to pay Amgen US$70 million for epoetin alfa patent infringement

US-based injectables specialist Hospira has been ordered to pay Biotech giant Amgen US$70 million in damages regarding a patent on Amgen’s anaemia blockbuster Epogen (epoetin alfa).

FDA launches educational campaign for biosimilars

In light of the increasing number of biosimilars becoming available in the US, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 23 October 2017 the launch of its education campaign for biosimilars.

NHS England to increase biosimilar usage

On 12 September 2017, National Health Service (NHS) England released a ‘Commissioning framework for biological medicines (including biosimilar medicines)’. In this document, they make a series of recommendations with the aim of increasing both biological and biosimilar uptake. As a result of increased competition between biologicals, creating better value biological medicines and biosimilars, NHS England believes that it can make savings of GBP 200 − GBP 300 million a year by 2020/21 by increasing uptake of these better value biologicals.

FDA updates Purple Book for biologicals and biosimilars

On 21 February 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) announced the availability of an updated version of the ‘Purple Book’.

Biosimilars of eculizumab

Last update: 20 October 2017

Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is a terminal complement inhibitor. It is used to treat people with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), for whom it improves quality of life but does not appear to affect the risk of death. It is also indicated for the treatment of patients with atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) – a disease that primarily affects kidney function – to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy.

Biosimilars of abatacept

Last update: 28 April 2017

Abatacept is a modified antibody biological drug used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, by interfering with the function of particular cells (T-cells) in the immune system. This action modifies the inflammation and immune activity which cause the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

FDA Commissioner discusses challenges and opportunities for biosimilars

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its first biosimilar for cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) in September 2017 [1]. In light of this momentous event, FDA Commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb spoke to medical reporter Laurie MicGinely, at The Washington Post’s Chasing Cancer Summit, about the challenges faced by biosimilars and the future opportunities in the US.

Biocon withdraws EU applications for trastuzumab and pegfilgrastim biosimilars

India-based biologicals specialist Biocon announced on 16 August 2017 that it was withdrawing its European Union (EU) marketing applications for its trastuzumab and pegfilgrastim biosimilars.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – August 2017

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

WHO launches consultation on prequalification of biosimilars

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in September 2017 that it would be launching its pilot project for prequalifying biosimilars in October 2017. The step is intended to make ‘some of the most expensive treatments for cancer more widely available in low- and middle-income countries’.

Australia’s TGA consults on naming of biologicals

Australia’s drug regulatory agency, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), announced on 28 July 2017 that it was opening a consultation on how to name biologicals.

Setback in Biocon/Mylan’s biosimilar programme after GMP inspection

Biocon/Mylan’s biosimilar programme has hit a stumbling block after failing an inspection by the French inspecting authority (L’Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé: ANSM).

UK investigation suggests Merck broke competition law

A provisional statement from the UK Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) says that Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) ran an anticompetitive discount scheme for anti-inflammatory drug Remicade (infliximab).

Recommendations to enhance transparency of biosimilar labels

On 6 June 2017, the European Association for Bioindustries (EuropaBio) announced that it had ‘developed recommendations for changes to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) of biosimilars that would result in an enhanced level of transparency in the label’.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – April 2017

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

WHO to launch prequalification programme for biosimilars

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on 4 May 2017 that it would launch a pilot project for prequalifying biosimilars. This move says the organization, is a ‘step towards making some of the most expensive treatments for cancer more widely available in low- and middle-income countries’.

Fujifilm ramps up biosimilars production as UK court allows Humira biosimilar

A UK court has ruled in the favour of Japan-based Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics’ Humira biosimilar. The Fujifilm corporation has also announced a multi-million-dollar investment in its biologicals production facilities in the US.

Increasing access to biosimilars and generics in Europe

On 2 March 2017, the European Parliament voted on a resolution to strike a better balance between European Union (EU) countries’ public health interests and those of the pharmaceutical industry.

Amgen at the centre of biosimilars disputes

The disputes involve a biosimilar of Amgen’s biosimilar of Roche’s Avastin (bevacizumab) and Amgen’s blockbuster Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) being made by Coherus Biosciences.

FDA biologicals naming guidance could cost providers billions

Healthcare organizations have expressed their ‘grave concerns’ over the ‘enormous financial consequences’ of the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidance on naming of biologicals.

Pharma associations issue position paper on biosimilar switching

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), European Biopharmaceutical Enterprises (EBE) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) have issued joint guidance for prescribers on switching between originator biologicals and biosimilars.

Biosimilars in 2016: the highlights

Previous years have been momentous for the biosimilars industry and 2016 is no exception [1]. Important milestones achieved during 2016 were the biosimilar approvals of Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb), Erelzi (etanercept-szzs) and Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

EMA to launch pilot for tailored advice on biosimilars development

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced on 16 December 2016 that it is planning to provide sponsors with tailored scientific advice on the development of biosimilars as part of a pilot programme that will be launched in February 2017.

EC publishes improved biosimilars information for patients

On 23 January 2017, the European Commission (EC) published a unique question and answer (Q&A) document for patients containing reliable information on biosimilar medicines.

European IBD specialists support switching to biosimilars

The European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) has published results of a consensus meeting held on 15 October 2016 in Vienna, Austria in which they support switching from reference infliximab to biosimilar infliximab [1].

European oncologists back biosimilars with position paper

On 16 January 2017, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) published a position paper on biosimilars saying that ‘biosimilars create opportunities for sustainable cancer care’ [1].

What happened in biosimilars during 2015

The past year has once again been a busy one for the biosimilars industry [1]. The most important milestone achieved during 2015 was the landmark decision made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 6 March 2015 to approve Sandoz’s filgrastim biosimilar, Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz), for all five indications of the originator product (Neupogen). FDA is also reviewing applications for epoetin alfa, infliximab, etanercept filgrastim and pegfilgrastim biosimilars.

US$67 billion worth of biosimilar patents expiring before 2020

Last updated: 20 January 2014

Twelve biological products with global sales of more than US$67 billion will be exposed to biosimilar competition by 2020, with Enbrel (etanercept) whose US patent has been extended until 2028, scoring global sales of US$7.3 billion by December 2011; coming in second after Humira (adalimumab) with global sales of US$7.9 billion [1].

Position statement on approval of biosimilars in Latin America

The Fifth Latin American Forum on Biosimilars (FLAB) was held in Brasilia, Brazil in 2015 with the theme of ‘Interchangeability and Automatic Substitution’.  Discussions centred on the approval of CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar; and RTXM83, a proposed rituximab biosimilar, in both Brazil and Argentina. Following these discussions, Babini et al. [1] published a FLAB position statement on the approval of these monoclonal antibody biosimilars in the context of current regulations in these two Latin American countries.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – December 2016

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Portuguese dermatologists’ position on the use of biosimilars in psoriasis

Biologicals have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system due to their high costs. In 2013, 27% of pharmaceutical sales were for biologicals. In 2015, two of the top five best-selling therapies were tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, adalimumab and etanercept. Biosimilars, which may cost 25−30% less than the originator biological, thus represent a significant opportunity for savings to be made by both patients and healthcare systems.

Biosimilars of natalizumab

Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the cell adhesion molecule α4-integrin. Natalizumab is believed to work by reducing the ability of inflammatory immune cells to attach to and pass through the cell layers lining the intestines and blood–brain barrier. Natalizumab is indicated for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (US and Europe) and Crohn’s disease (US).

WHO proposes provisional implementation of biological qualifier

The World Health Organization (WHO) first introduced the concept of a biological qualifier (BQ) for naming biologicals back in 2014. This was followed by a draft proposal on naming biologicals, including biosimilars [1]. This has now been followed by the proposal to proceed with a provisional implementation of the BQ scheme accompanied by a prospective impact study.

Merck launches biosimilars educational resource for patients

US pharma giant Merck (known as MSD outside the US and Canada) has launched an online resource intended to be used as an educational platform for patients, caregivers and the healthcare community.

Court rules in favour of Apotex in biosimilars dispute

Biosimilars specialist Apobiologix, which is part of the Apotex group, announced on 9 September 2016 that it had won its battle in the US against biologicals giant Amgen with respect to its filgrastim (Grastofil) and pegfilgrastim (Lapelga) biosimilars.

Biosimilar User Fee Act reauthorization

On 16 September 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the Biosimilar User Fee Act II (BsUFA II) performance goals letter, attracting support from industry associations.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – August 2016

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Biosimilars of basiliximab

Basiliximab is a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody to the α chain (CD25) of the IL-2 receptor of T cells. It is an immunosuppresant agent used to prevent immediate transplant rejection in people who are receiving kidney transplants, in combination with other agents.

WHO naming of biosimilars

The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a system of naming for biosimilars, which has been commended by some groups [1], but criticized by others.

Sandoz plans to launch five more biosimilars by 2020

Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, has announced plans for five major global biosimilar launches by 2020.

Roche sues India’s drug regulator over Avastin ‘similar biologics’

Switzerland-based drug giant Roche has sued the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in the Delhi High Court over ‘similar biologic’ versions of its cancer blockbuster Avastin (bevacizumab).

Japan proving to be a favourable market for biosimilars

Uptake of biosimilars in Japan is on a par with generics use for some products, making Japan a lucrative market for biosimilars makers.

Benepali wins Danish tender for etanercept

Denmark’s drug procurement agency Amgros has chosen the etanercept biosimilar Benepali, made by Samsung Bioepis, as the priority drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis rather than the originator biological (Amgen’s Enbrel).

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – April 2016

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Biosimilar etanercept offered at 47% discount in Norway

Samsung Bioepis confirmed on 1 February 2016 that it had won a contract in Norway to supply its newly approved biosimilar etanercept, Benepali, to the country.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – December 2015

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – August 2015

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Biosimilars applications under review by EMA – April 2015

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body responsible for approval of biosimilars within the European Union (EU). A legal framework for approving biosimilars was established in 2003. Approval of biosimilars is based on an abbreviated registration process, which allows biosimilars manufacturers to provide a reduced package of information compared to originator drugs, provided they can prove ‘similarity’ to the originator or reference drug.

Biosimilars on the horizon

Europe approved its first monoclonal antibody biosimilar, Inflectra/Remsima (infliximab), in September 2013 [1]. But how does the pipeline look for biosimilars and what will be the next biosimilar to be approved?

Biosimilars group launched in UK to improve biosimilars uptake

On 18 April 2016, the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) announced the launch of its expert sector group on biosimilars, the British Biosimilars Association (BBA).

US rheumatologists in favour of distinct names for biosimilars

Following the approval of the infliximab biosimilar Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has issued a statement supporting the use of distinct names for biosimilars.

IPRF template for summary information for biosimilar reviews

The Biosimilars Working Group (BWG) of the International Pharmaceutical Regulators Forum (IPRF) has released a template for Public Assessment Summary Information for Biosimilar (PASIB).

IGBA opposes WHO biological qualifier

The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering a proposal to assign Biological Qualifiers (BQs), which are random alphabetic codes, to help standardize the naming of biologicals, including biosimilars [1]. However, not everyone agrees with their proposal.

US doctors poised to prescribe biosimilars

A survey of specialists in the US has found that nearly half of them expect to prescribe biosimilars to treatment-naïve patients.

Amgen sues Sandoz over etanercept biosimilar

Following the submission of application for approval of its etanercept biosimilar in the US, Sandoz is coming under fire from originator company Amgen.

Sandoz acquires EEA rights to infliximab biosimilar from Pfizer

Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, announced on 12 February 2016 that it had acquired the rights for the development and commercialization of Pfizer’s biosimilar infliximab (PF-06438179) in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the 28 countries of the European Union (EU), plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

FDA releases ‘Overview of Biosimilar Products’

As part of its ongoing mission to educate industry, the public and healthcare professionals about biosimilars, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an online educational course for healthcare professionals.