Author byline as per print journal: Subramanian Venkatesan, MSc; Associate Professor Martine Lamfers, PhD; Professor Sieger Leenstra, MD, PhD; Professor Arnold G Vulto, PharmD, PhD, FCP Abstract: Kinase inhibitors form the largest class of novel anticancer drugs. To date, more than 20 kinase inhibitors have been approved for clinical use. Lengthy patent rights keep the cost…

Author(s): Associate Professor Martine Lamfers, PhD, Professor Arnold G Vulto, PharmD, PhD, FCP, Professor Sieger Leenstra, MD, PhD, Subramanian Venkatesan, MSc

anticancer drugs, kinase inhibitors, market exclusivity, patent expiry, targeted therapies

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.016

Introduction/Study objective: This paper aims to survey the policies implemented by European countries for pricing and promoting the use of biosimilar medicines and to explore similarities and differences with policies for generic medicines. Methods: A literature review was supplemented by primary data collection with policymakers. Members of the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) network,…

Author(s): Peter Schneider, MA, Sabine Vogler, PhD

biosimilar, generics, policy, pricing, substitution, tender

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.015

Author byline as per print journal: Jean-Baptiste Reiland, MSc; Barbara Freischem; Alexander Roediger, MA Introduction/Study objective Biosimilar policies with a focus on uptake have received a lot of attention at national and regional level in the last few years. It is now 10 years since the first biosimilar was approved in the European Union (EU), but…

Author(s): Alexander Roediger, MA, Executive MBA, Barbara Freischem, Jean-Baptiste Reiland, MSc

biological medicines, biosimilars, off-patent market, pricing and reimbursement policy

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.014

Abstract: Dr Brian Godman and Professor Mohamed Azmi Hassali review Rida et al. regarding pricing strategies for pharmaceuticals in developing countries. Submitted: 15 March 2017; Revised: 22 March 2017; Accepted: 24 March 2017; Published online first: 6 April 2017 Rida and Ibrahim are to be congratulated on their extensive review of ongoing pricing strategies in…

Author(s): Brian Godman, BSc, PhD, Professor Mohamed Azmi Hassali, PhD

developing countries, generics, pharmaceutical pricing policy

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.013

Abstract: Biosimilars policies are more controversial than those for generics. However, it is only a question of time before progress in biosimilars matches that of generics worldwide. Submitted: 21 April 2017; Revised: 28 April 2017; Accepted: 2 May 2017; Published online first: 15 May 2017 Healthcare systems worldwide are under increasing pressure due to the…

Author(s): Alessandro Curto, MSSc

biosimilars, Europe, pricing, reimbursement

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.012

Editor's Letter

Published on 12 June 2017

What to look forward to in GaBI Journal, 2017, Issue 2

The use both generics and biosimilars offers the potential to increase availability of medicines through decreases in cost that should occur when an expensive product (drug) loses patent protection and lower cost alternatives are marketed in countries with a ‘free-market’ economy. As the manuscripts in this issue of GaBI Journal emphasize, it is clear however…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.011

Submitted: 27 January 2017; Revised: 31 January 2017; Accepted: 1 February 2017; Published online first: 6 February 2017 Previous years have been momentous for biosimilars [1] and 2016 is no exception. This paper highlights the various developments that have taken place during 2016 for biosimilars. Important milestones achieved during 2016 were the biosimilar approvals of…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.010

Abstract: Clinical evidence supporting biosimilar use is growing and for the first time, the Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency takes a positive position on interchangeability. They now state that prescribing biosimilars to treatment-naïve patients and even a change from originator to biosimilar is appropriate, provided it is done under physician’s supervision. Submitted: 9 January…

Author(s): Christoph Baumgärtel, MD, MSc

Austria, biosimilars, interchangeability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.009

Abstract: In 2016, a multi-stakeholder workshop was held on the topic of ‘Biosimilar Labelling’. The discussions concerning labelling particulars are outlined in this meeting report. Submitted: 21 November 2016; Revised: 23 January 2017; Accepted: 24 January 2017; Published online first: 6 February 2017 Introduction Labels on medicinal products contain information for pharmacists, physicians and patients.…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilar, labelling, patients, pharmacists, physicians, Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.008

Author byline as per print journal: Professor Francisco José de Abajo, MD, MPH, PhD; Professor Joan Albanell, MD; Olga Delgado Sanchez, PharmD; Kevin Klein, MSc; José Vicente Moreno-Muelas, MD; Sol Ruiz, PhD; Professor Maria Jesús Sanz Ferrando, PhD; Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath; Professor Francisco Zaragozá, PhD Introduction: Biosimilars can offer a lower-cost alternative to current biological therapies and could…

Author(s): José Vicente Moreno-Muelas, MD, Kevin Klein, PhD, Olga Delgado Sanchez, PharmD, Professor Francisco José de Abajo, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor Francisco Zaragozá, PhD, Professor Joan Albanell, MD, Professor Maria Jesús Sanz Ferrando, PhD, Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath, Sol Ruiz, PhD

biologicals, immunogenicity, interchangeability, pharmacovigilance, Spain, traceability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.007

Abstract: Biosimilars have been approved in Europe since 2006 and in the US since 2015. With patents on originator biologicals expiring and ever-tightening healthcare budgets, biosimilars are expected to take an increasing share of the biologicals market. In light of these facts, this paper gives estimated patent expiry dates for just some of the best-selling…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biological, biosimilar, patent

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.006

Author byline as per print journal: Barbara OM Claus, PharmD, PhD; Tiene Bauters, PharmD, PhD; Annemie Somers, PharmD, PhD Abstract: In the coming decade, many patents for biological pharmaceuticals will expire. Consequently, the market for biosimilars has the potential to grow rapidly. For safety reasons, the more extensive use of a greater variety of biologicals increases…

Author(s): Barbara OM Claus, PharmD, PhD, Professor Annemie Somers, PharmD, PhD, Tiene Bauters, PharmD, PhD

biologicals, biosimilars, hospitals, pharmacovigilance

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.005