Author byline as per print journal: Shyam Akku, MD; Amit Garg, MD; Suhas Khandarkar, MPharm Introduction: Majority of the Colombian population has become health insured leading to improved healthcare access in the country. Healthcare expenses have risen drastically, and cancer is responsible for the major disease burden. An option to reduce cost burden is to replace…

Author(s): Amit Garg, MD, Shyam Akku, MD, Suhas Khandarkar, MPharm

anticancer drugs, cost-minimization, generics, pharmacoeconomics

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0504.042

Author byline as per print journal: Professor Philip J Schneider, MS, FASHP; Michael S Reilly, Esq Introduction: To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has offered only draft guidance on the naming of biosimilar medicines. The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) has asked pharmacists for their views on the labelling and naming of…

Author(s): Michael S Reilly, Esq, Professor Philip J Schneider, MS, FASHP, FASPEN, FFIP

ASBM, biologicals, biosimilars, labelling, naming, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0504.040

Abstract: Physicians are pondering the clinical use of biosimilars. A reliance on clinical trials is deeply rooted in the modern healthcare system, whereas comparability and totality of evidence remain unknown concepts. This editorial explores these ideas, with reference to a case study of Italian gastroenterologists. Submitted: 24 October 2016; Revised: 1 November 2016; Accepted: 1…

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

biosimilars, NOR-SWITCH, totality of evidence

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0504.039

Abstract: Effective pharmaceutical pricing policies in developing countries are important to ensure accessibility and affordability of essential medicines for the people. Submitted: 24 October 2016; Revised: 27 February 2017; Accepted: 28 February 2017; Published online first: 13 March 2017 In developing countries, essential medicines are not always available to those who need them because of…

Author(s): Nada Moustafa Abdel Rida, MSc Candidate, Professor Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim, PhD

developing countries, external reference pricing, government strategies, medicines, pharmaceutical pricing policy, price containment

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0601.002

Author byline as per print journal: Vito Annese, MD; Tommaso Gabbani, MD; Antonio Luca Annese, MD Abstract: The introduction of biological therapy has revolutionized the paradigm of treatment in the last two decades. This is expected to lead to corresponding amelioration of the course of several immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, this…

Author(s): Antonio Luca Annese, MD, Tommaso Gabbani, MD, Vito Annese, MD

adalimumab, biosimilar, Crohn’s disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), switching, ulcerative colitis (UC)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.033

Abstract: A study of the factors influencing generics makers’ decision on whether to enter a specific market found that firm size, market revenue and expected competition all had an effect. Market size was also positively associated with the entry of more generics. The effect of a financial subsidy on generics entry was also investigated. Submitted:…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

financial subsidy, generics entry, generics market, price competition

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.037

Introduction: Canada is among the leading spenders in pharmaceuticals. Based on projected figures, the cost of pharmaceuticals is expected to rise by another 6–12% by 2023. Approximately CAN$4.6 billion of healthcare funding is spent on biological drugs (including growth factors and monoclonal antibodies) which are commonly used in the setting of haematology and blood and…

Author(s): Cherie C Severson, RN, MN, CON(C), BMTCN

biologicals, biosimilars, blood and marrow transplant, cost, haematology, subsequent entry biologics (SEBs)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.032

Abstract: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlines its approach to biosimilarity and interchangeability at the 2016 Generic Pharmaceutical Association Biosimilars Council Conference. Topics covered include the FDA definition of biosimilarity, its step-wise approach to the approval process and factors/issues that should be considered when providing scientific justification for extrapolation. Submitted: 22 September 2016;…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biologicals, biosimilar, biosimilarity, interchangeability, regulation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.035

Abstract: Biosimilars of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, such as infliximab or etanercept, have recently entered the market. The management of these new products by the healthcare systems differ between European countries, and there may be regional differences within countries. This paper describes prescription structures and approaches to manage the uptake of biosimilars in Germany.…

Author(s): Mathias Flume, MBA, PhD

biosimilar, etanercept, Germany, infliximab, regional management, TNF-α inhibitor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.031

Abstract: There is considerable concern and debate over the naming of biologicals and labelling of biosimilars. To ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective treatment, it is paramount that clinicians, prescribers and patients themselves have the relevant information regarding drug treatment. In response to concerns over how biologicals and biosimilars should be named…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biologicals, biosimilars, labelling, naming, nomenclature, regulation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.036

Abstract: This paper discusses the findings and summary of items covered in the First Turkish interactive workshop on regulation and approval of similar biotherapeutic products/biosimilars, in which structure–function was highlighted as a key issue. Submitted: 4 June 2016; Revised: 7 September 2016; Accepted: 15 September 2016; Published online first: 28 September 2016 Introduction This interactive…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD, Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath

glycosylation, immunogenicity, potency, receptor binding, serum half-life, sialic acid

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.034

Abstract: Biological molecules represent a significant portion of therapies utilized in Canada. Biosimilars, also known as subsequent entry biologics (SEBs) in Canada, are highly comparable versions of the originator products. Over the next few years, a number of patents for innovator biologicals will expire in Canada and this creates a tremendous opportunity for the entrance…

Author(s): Eric CK Siu, MSc, PhD, George Wyatt, BSc, MBA

biosimilars, CADTH, Canada, CDR, pCODR, subsequent entry biologics (SEBs)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0503.028