Biosimilars/General
AMD position statement on the use of biocomparables for psoriasis
The Mexican Academy of Dermatology (AMD) is a non-profit civil association founded in 1952 and formed by a group of relevant dermatologists dedicated to sharing experiences and keeping up to date with the latest advances in research. This group has developed the following position statement on biosimilars for psoriasis.
Advances for biotech in Korea: Samsung Bioepis, Celltrion and LG Chem
Korean companies Samsung Bioepis and Celltrion have accelerated their penetration into the global market, with a total of 11 approvals in Europe and eight in the US. In addition, Korea’s LG Chem has expanded its presence in Japan and China. This growth follows increasing investment in the biotech sector from South Korea’s government and private pharmaceutical companies [1, 2].
Biosimilars approved in Chile
In Chile, the regulatory body responsible for the approval of biological medicines is the National Drug Agency (Agencia Nacional de Medicamentos, ANAMED), which is part of the Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP), under the Ministry of Health.
Biosimilars approved in Paraguay
In Paraguay, the regulatory body responsible for the approval of biological drugs is the National Directorate for Sanitary Surveillance (Dirección Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria, DINAVISA).
Biosimilars approved in Cuba
In Cuba, the regulatory body responsible for approving biological drugs is the Center for the State Control of Medicines, Medical Equipments and Devices (Control Estatal de Medicamentos, Equipos y Dispositivos Médicos, CECMED).
Biosimilars approved in Peru
In Peru, the regulatory body responsible for approving biological drugs is the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (DIGEMID) of the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) which is in charge of leading the National and Decentralised Health System, the policy for the universal health assurance and the policies and intersectoral actions on social determinants [1].
Biosimilars approved in Uruguay
In Uruguay, the regulatory body responsible for the approval of biologicals is the Ministry of Public Health of Uruguay (Ministerio de Salud Pública de Uruguay, MSP).
Biosimilars approved in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the regulatory body responsible for the approval of biologicals is the Ministry of Health.
Interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar preferred on Express Scripts
The interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar, Semglee, has been listed by Express Scripts, America’s largest pharmacy benefit management organization, as a preferred insulin brand on its National Preferred Formulary (NPF), which includes more than 28 million lives in the US.
Argentinian gastroenterologist groups issued position statement on biosimilars use
Experts from the steering committees of the Argentinian Society of Gastroenterology (SAGE), the Argentinian Federation of Gastroenterology (FAGE) and the Argentinian Group of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GADECCU) have issued a joint position regarding the practical conditions for the clinical use of biosimilars indicated for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), by discussing the most notable aspects related to the definition of a biosimilar drug, bio-similarity, non-comparable biological drugs or ‘intended copies’, approval requirements, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, automatic substitution, non-medical switching, nomenclature, clinical standards regarding safety and efficacy, implementation of an efficient and appropriate pharmacovigilance system and the potential economic impact on the healthcare system [1].