It is far from clear whether off-patent biological medicines can offer the same cost savings as those offered by off-patent non-biological (chemically derived) medicines, write a group of Brussels-based health economists in the European Journal of Health Economics. Several key factors will play a role in realizing the potential of these effective low-cost agents, including…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2014.0302.025

Author byline as per print journal: Farhang Rezaei, PharmD; Nassim Anjidani, PharmD Background: The advent of follow-on biologicals in Iran and biosimilars worldwide have provided various treatment options for several severe and chronic diseases. The goal of the present study was to provide an overview of their current status in Iran. Methods: A comprehensive search of…

Author(s): Farhang Rezaei, PharmD, Nassim Anjidani, PharmD

biosimilars, Biotechnological therapeutics, follow-on biologics, Iran

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2021.1002.010

Abstract: Brazilian requirements for approval of biosimilars are aligned with a strict regulatory process and ensure the same high standards of quality, safety and efficacy as for originator biologicals. Submitted: 29 September 2022; Revised: 26 January 2023; Accepted: 27 January 2023; Published online first: 9 February 2023 In Brazil, a legal framework for approving follow-on…

Author(s): Sílvia Helena Cestari de Oliveira, MSc

biologicals, biosimilars, Brazil

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2023.1202.011

Abstract: An extensive overview of policies related to pharmacy-mediated substitution of biosimilars across the world was carried out by Larkin et al. in 2017. The details of this are discussed in this commentary. Submitted: 17 November 2017; Revised: 28 November 2017; Accepted: 4 December 2017; Published online first: 15 December 2017 Introduction An extensive overview…

Author(s): Thijs J Giezen, PharmD, PhD, MSc

biosimilar, policy, regulation, substitution, switching

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0604.033

Abstract: There are few challenges to developing effective generics substitution policies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These include the absence of generics substitution policies, lack of enforcement, lack of evidenced-based data about bioequivalence and lack of acceptance by physicians and patients. Submitted: 3 June 2015; Revised: 19 June 2015; Accepted: 24 June 2015; Published…

Author(s): Professor Mohamed Azmi Hassali, PhD, Zhi Yen Wong, BPharm (Hons), MSc (Pharmaceutical Policy), RPh

generic medicines, generics substitution, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0404.038

Author byline as per print journal: Mansour Somaily1, MD; Hana Alahmari1, MD; Wejdan Abbag2; Shahenda Yousif4, MD; Nawar Tayfour4, MD; Nouf Almushayt2; Saleh Alhusayni3, MD; Saeed Almajadiah4, MD Background: A biosimilar version of infliximab (CT-P13) was recently approved for use in Saudi Arabia. Clinical data support its use in the treatment of rheumatic disease, however,…

Ankylosing spondylitis, Bechet's disease, CT-P13, infliximab, rheumatoid arthritis

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2021.1002.007

Abstract: Systematic clinical switch studies to demonstrate interchangeability of biosimilars are required in some jurisdictions while theoretical considerations and current clinical data question the feasibility and relevance of such studies. Submitted: 27 November 2021; Revised: 15 December 2021; Accepted: 15 December 2021; Published online first: 28 December 2021 Biosimilars have been used for 15 years…

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

biosimilars, immunogenicity, interchangeability, switch studies

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2022.1101.002

Abstract: How has the European Medicines Agency (EMA) changed its requirements for biosimilars since it first approved biosimilars in 2006? This is the question Dr Martina Weise, Head of Licensing Division at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), discussed at the 14th Annual Biosimilar Medicines Group Conference. Submitted: 1 December 2016; Revised:…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilar, biosimiliarity, data requirements, extrapolation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2016.0504.047

Results of a survey carried out by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) highlight a lack of confidence in biosimilars and the need for continued education. The results of the ECCO 2013 survey [1] were presented by Dr Alessandro Armuzzi, together with the EU physician 2013 survey on naming, transparency and traceability for biosimilars…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2014.0303.034

Abstract: Chemotherapy-induced anaemia can be treated using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), but these can cause serious side-effects including tumour progression, venous thromboembolism, and shorter survival. Following extensive review of recent literature, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology have updated their guidelines on the use of ESAs. New recommendations include minimising…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

chemotherapy-induced anaemia, darbopoetin, epoetin, erythropoetin-stimulating agents, haemoglobin, thromboembolism

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.018

Submitted: 13 March 2017; Revised: 15 March 2017; Accepted: 16 March 2017; Published online first: 29 March 2017 Generic drug manufacturing of four major cancer drugs could massively reduce their costs to the National Health Service in the UK, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal [1]. The study shows that generics…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0602.018

Abstract: Regulatory standards for recombinant DNA (rDNA)-derived medicinal products put in place over 40 years ago provided a framework for moving forward with novel biotechnologies and biosimilars leading to their success as highly eff ective medicines. As biologicals and biosimilars are increasingly developed, licensed and used worldwide less experienced manufacturers and regulatory agencies need support…

Author(s): Elwyn Griffiths, DSc, PhD

ASEAN, biologicals, biosimilars, GMP, regulatory harmonization

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2020.0903.017