Abstract: Biotech giant Amgen now has a biosimilars programme that includes nine different molecules. A representative from Amgen has spoken to GaBI about the company’s venture into biosimilars. Topics included how to encourage the use of biosimilars and how a Japanese example of biosimilars uptake can help Europe in increasing use of biosimilars. Submitted: 25…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilar, naming, uptake

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2014.0304.048

Abstract: Comments from physician associations on the US Food and Drug Administration’s draft guidance on interchangeability of biosimilars are presented in this paper. Various issues were discussed; this paper highlights the comments on extrapolation, interchangeability, switching, labelling and naming, post-marketing and disease experts. Submitted: 2 June 2017; Revised: 13 June 2017; Accepted: 13 June 2017;…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilar, extrapolation, interchangeability, labelling, switching, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2017.0603.024

Abstract: Legislation in support of pharmacist notification to patients and providers of substitution of an interchangeable biologic for the originator biologic was recently vetoed in California. Automatic substitution of approved biosimilars without notifying the patient and physician/healthcare provider circumvents important pharmacovigilance. Submitted: 21 October 2013; Revised: 22 October 2013; Accepted: 25 October 2013; Published online…

Author(s): Janet S Wyatt, RN, PhD, FAANP

biologicals, patients, REMS

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0204.045

The European Medicines Agency recommends the use of pharmacodynamics (PD) markers when establishing biosimilarity, but no such biomarkers are known for the clinical efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin). For this reason, confirmatory clinical efficacy studies are essential, write Hans Ebbers et al. of Utrecht University in The Netherlands [1]. The biosimilar monoclonal antibodies (mAb) guideline released…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2014.0301.013

Author byline as per print journal: Pritha Paul1, PhD; Rahul Kapur2*, MBBS, PhD; Shivani Mittra3, MPharm, PhD; Nimish Shah4, JD, MBA; Gopal K Rao1, MSc; Matthew E Erick4, BS, RPh; Susheel Umesh1, BPharm, MBA; Sandeep N Athalye2, MBBS, MD Abstract:Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affect people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income…

affordability, biosimilars, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), market access, non-communicable diseases, regulatory framework

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.008

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

Editor's Letter

Published on 19 April 2013

Editor’s introduction to the wide range of topics in the initial issue of the second volume of GaBI Journal

We start off the second year of GaBI Journal with articles covering a wide range of issues. In Letters to the Editor, Dr Christian K Schneider discusses and expands on a previously published article by a bioethicist [1] on the ethics of biosimilars. Dr Schneider applauds the inclusion of ethicists in the debates concerning biosimilars…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.015

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: Alternative biopharmaceuticals could substantially improve affordability of biotherapeutics in developing countries. However, it seems that these countries need a modified regulatory pathway to guarantee timely access to these medicines. Submitted: 27 August 2014; Revised: 14 September 2014; Accepted: 15 September 2014; Published online first: 29 September 2013 In recent years, biotherapeutics have gained a…

Author(s): Professor Abdol Majid Cheraghali, PharmaD, PhD

affordability, alternative biopharmaceuticals, regulation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2014.0304.038

Abstract: Information about variable immunogenicity arising from formulation differences between competing biosimilars is critical for informed judgments by prescribing physicians. Use of a common INN for biosimilars will obfuscate such differences to the detriment of patients. Submitted: 31 October 2013; Revised: 12 November 2013; Accepted: 13 November 2013; Published online first: 26 November 2013 Immunogenicity…

Author(s): Edward T Maggio, PhD

immunogenicity, INN, neoantigen, neutralizing antibodies, oxidative damage, polysorbate, protein aggregation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0204.046

Author byline as per print journal: Michael S Reilly, Esq; Gail Attara; Ralph D McKibbin, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF; Professor Philip J Schneider, MS, FASHP, FASPEN, FFIP Introduction: Biosimilars are now key players in the global drugs market offering potentially more affordable treatment options with similar safety and efficacy. However, there are concerns about non-medical…

biologicals, biosimilars, forced-switching, interchangeable biosimilar, non-medical switching

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2023.1201.006

Submitted: 6 December 2018; Revised: 12 December 2018; Accepted: 14 December 2018; Published online first: 19 December 2018 Generic drugs are currently central to disease treatment in the US. However, recent policy concerns have focussed on generics supply inadequacies and the perceived increase in prices of some generic drug products. To further explore the changing…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2018.0704.033