Introduction and study objectives: Benefit-risk evaluations are essential throughout the life cycle of a drug to guarantee therapeutic efficacy for the authorized indications without an unacceptable incidence of adverse effects. To achieve this, a registry, assessment of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and other pharmacovigilance (PhV) procedures are mandatory. Due to the inherent variability of bioproduction,…

Author(s): Francisco Fernández, MD, Matías Deprati, MD, Patricia Rodríguez Acedo, Eduardo Spitzer, BSc, Alvaro Romera, MD, Nadia Español, BSc

adverse drug reaction, bevacizumab, biosimilar, monoclonal antibodies, pharmacovigilance, safety profile

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2018.0703.023

Abstract: Biologicals have offered a new avenue for targeting therapy to treat life-threatening and chronic diseases. The recent or pending patent expirations of many successful biologicals have permitted the marketing of ‘copy’ versions of the off-patent biologicals, generally known as biosimilars (subsequent entry biologics in Canada). The reduced clinical package and the potential for extrapolation…

Author(s): Agnes V Klein, MD, DPH, Jian Wang, MD, PhD, Ally Pen, PhD

biologicals, biosimilars, clinical trials, extrapolation, immunogenicity, regulatory

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0401.009

Abstract:  Biosimilars have the potential for making savings in healthcare costs, and with resource allocation, if competition is permitted at the level of treatment induction. Submitted: 24 August 2012; Revised: 17 January 2013; Accepted: 4 February 2013; Published online first: 13 February 2013 The last decade or so has seen the introduction of many truly innovative biological pharmaceuticals that have had a…

Author(s): Gustaf Befrits

biosimilar pharmaceuticals, biosimilars, EU, healthcare financing, substitution, Sweden

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.009

Abstract: Comment on the GaBI Journal article titled The potential for doctors to contribute to biosimilar guidelines [1] and the GaBI Online article titled Dialogue needed to build confidence in biosimilars [2], both by GaBI Journal Editor, Dr Julie Clayton. Submitted: 18 November 2012; Revised: 3 December 2012; Accepted: 4 December 2012; Published online first:…

Author(s): Christoph Baumgärtel, MD, MSc

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.003

Abstract: In this paper, differences across the world are highlighted when it comes to the interchangeability of biosimilars. The lack of harmonization makes it difficult for biosimilars makers and could possibly delay access to life-saving treatments. Submitted: 6 April 2017; Revised: 14 April 2017; Accepted: 14 April 2017; Published online first: 28 April 2017 There…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilar, interchangeability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.017

Abstract:  Dylst et al. provide a detailed overview about the characteristics of reference price systems in Europe and discuss their possible impact. The role of stakeholders in the implementation of this policy measure requires further attention. Submitted: 16 September 2012; Revised: 17 September 2012; Accepted: 19 September 2012; Published online first: 21 September 2012 Dylst…

Author(s): Sabine Vogler, PhD

generics policies, health professionals, patients, reference price system, reimbursement

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.031

Author byline as per print journal: Michael S Reilly, Esq; Harry L Gewanter, MD, FAAP, FACR Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the regulation of biosimilars form the basis of guidelines used across most of Latin America. However, the pace at which the region moves toward reaching its potential of having safe and effective biosimilars…

Author(s): Harry L Gewanter, MD, FAAP, FACR, Michael S Reilly, Esq

Biological Qualifier (BQ), biosimilar, Latin America, naming, prescribing, World Health Organization (WHO)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0404.036

Abstract: This paper highlights differences between USA and Europe when it comes to the interchangeability of biosimilars. The lack of harmonization between USA and Europe may introduce confusion for stakeholders and biosimilars makers and could be delaying access to life-saving treatments. Submitted: 5 December 2017; Revised: 7 December 2017; Accepted: 8 December 2017; Published online…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilar, EMA, interchangeability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0604.039

Abstract: Dr Brian Godman reviews the paper by Markovic-Pekovic et al. regarding recent reforms in the Republic of Srpska. These include prescribing restrictions where concerns with the value of products and measures to obtain low prices for generics, which is important given the rhetoric. Submitted: 11 June 2013; Revised: 13 June 2013; Accepted: 17 June…

Author(s): Brian Godman, BSc, PhD

demand-side measures, generics, renin-angiotensin inhibitor drugs, Srpska, statins, supply-side measures

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0203.029

Abstract: As per regulatory requirements, biosimilar drugs must show high similarity to their reference product in quality, preclinical and clinical tests. It is by these means that biosimilars are considered to be safe and efficacious. In India, any major deviation(s) from science-based principles in the manufacturing of a recombinant DNA-derived therapeutic biological product leads to…

Author(s): GR Soni, PhD

biosimilar, CDSCO, Innovator Reference Biological Product, non-innovator biologic, RCGM

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2020.0901.006

Abstract: Biosimilars are copies of original biological medicines. Biosimilarity is a new concept in drug development. Physicians prescribing biologicals need more neutral information on the quality, safety and efficacy of biosimilars. Submitted: 27 November 2014; Revised: 15 December 2014; Accepted: 18 December 2014; Published online first: 19 December 2014 Introduction The European Union (EU) was…

Author(s): Adjunct Professor Pekka Kurki, MD, PhD

biosimilars, comparability, interchangeability, prescribers, regulators

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0401.008

Author byline as per print journal: Luther Gwaza1,2, BPharm, MPhil; John Gordon3, PhD; Henrike Potthast4, PhD; Marc Maliepaard5, PhD; Jan Welink5, Hubert Leufkens1,5, PhD; Matthias Stahl6, MD; Alfredo García-Arieta7, PhD Abstract: Generic medicines are approved by regulatory authorities based on demonstration of bioequivalence with the innovator, however, direct comparison between all available generics of the…

Author(s): Alfredo García Arieta, PhD, Henrike Potthast, PhD, Hubert Leufkens, PhD, Jan Welink, John Gordon, PhD, Luther Gwaza, BPharm, MPhil, Marc Maliepaard, PhD, Matthias Stahl, MD

adjusted indirect comparisons, bioequivalence, drug switching, generic medicines, interchangeability, prequalification

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0502.015