Contents Editor’s Letter What to look forward to in GaBI Journal, 2015, Issue 2 Commentary Pro-generics policies and the backlog in medicines registration in South Africa: implications for access to essential and affordable medicines Original Research Product naming, pricing, and market uptake of biosimilars Differences in pharmacokinetic behaviour of branded enoxaparin and a US generic version in a non-human primate model Pharmaceutical pricing…

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

Abstract: Biosimilars are highly similar versions of reference biological products, some with the potential to be deemed ‘interchangeable’ by regulatory bodies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration. Biosimilar patent litigation continues to evolve as biosimilars enter new global markets. This manuscript takes a look at patent litigation strategies in a more developed biosimilars…

Author(s): Brian J Malkin, Esq

biosimilars, follow-on biological, Inter Partes Review, litigation, opposition, patent

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0403.026

Editor's Letter

Published on 15 June 2015

What to look forward to in GaBI Journal, 2015, Issue 2

This entire issue of the GaBI Journal could be titled ‘World News’ since it contains manuscripts describing global generics and biosimilar activities. The Commentary by Leng et al. describes regulatory events in South Africa that led to claims of delay in marketing approval of generic drug products. The authors discuss the relationship between regulatory policies…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0402.013

Author byline as per print journal: Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath; Meenu Wadhwa, PhD Abstract: Comment on the Letter to the Editor by Professor Abdol Majid Cheraghali: Access to alternative biopharmaceuticals in low- and middle-income countries, published in GaBI Journal, 2014;4(3):164-5. Submitted: 7 June 2015; Revised: 8 June 2015; Accepted: 8 June 2015; Published online first: 22…

Author(s): Meenu Wadhwa, PhD, Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0403.024

Abstract: Biosimilars should be approved for all the clinical indications of the reference product based on the totality of the evidence even if there is no clinical safety and efficacy data for each indication. The foundation of biosimilar development is the demonstration that chemical, physical and biological parameters are highly similar to the reference product.…

Author(s): David R Gaugh, RPh, Theresa L Gerrard, PhD, Gordon Johnston, RPh, MS

biosimilar, clinical indication, comparability, extrapolation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0403.027

Author byline as per print journal: Steven Kozlowski1, MD; Ellen Tworkoski2, MS, MPhil; Carmen Dekmezian2, MS; Yanchang Zhang2, MPH; Natasha Flowers2, BA; Alvin So3, MS; Andreas M Schick3, PhD; Michael Wernecke2, BA; Thomas MaCurdy2,4, PhD; Jeffrey A Kelman5, MD, MMSc Background: Drug pricing and availability are key concerns for reducing healthcare costs and meeting patient…

Author(s): Jeffrey A Kelman, MD, MMSc, Steven Kozlowski, MD, Ellen Tworkoski, MS, MPhil, Carmen Dekmezian, MS, Yanchang Zhang, MPH, Natasha Flowers, BA, Alvin So, MS, Andreas M Schick, PhD, Michael Wernecke, BA, Thomas MaCurdy, PhD

generic drugs, pharmacy, US Medicare

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2019.0803.013

Abstract: Austria has seen considerable savings with generics, due to its unique pricing system. Generic medicine penetration is, however, not as advanced as in other European countries. Additional savings could be made, provided certain measures are implemented. Submitted: 27 May 2015; Revised: 5 June 2015; Accepted: 8 June 2015; Published online first: 22 June 2015…

Author(s): Christoph Baumgärtel, MD, MSc

Austria, generics, prices

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0403.030

Abstract: A novel global and company specific biological qualifier, distinct from the International Nonproprietary Name (INN), is proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) for all biological active substances. Submitted: 14 May 2015; Revised: 2 July 2015; Accepted: 6 July 2015; Published online first: 20 July 2015 Introduction to INN The concept of one single non-proprietary…

Author(s): James S Robertson, PhD

biological active substances, Biological Qualifier (BQ), biosimilars, international non-proprietary names

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0403.025

Abstract: Since the biosimilars pathway was introduced, many US states have been considering, or have introduced, legislation to allow for substitution of biosimilars deemed interchangeable. This paper gives an update of the current situation. Submitted: 21 April 2015; Revised: 8 May 2015; Accepted: 11 May 2015; Published online first: 25 May 2015 The Biologics Price…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biologicals, biosimilars, legislation, notification, substitution

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0402.020

Abstract: Biosimilars can substitute treatment with expensive biological drugs and release money to treat more patients. Experience from Norway shows how this can be done with and without success. Submitted: 18 May 2015; Revised: 22 May 2015; Accepted: 26 May 2015; Published online first: 8 June 2015 Introduction Drug budgets and total healthcare expenditure can…

Author(s): Asbjørn Mack, MD

biosimilars, discounts, market penetration, tender

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0402.018

Abstract: The first recognized and trusted generic drugs were launched in France in 1995, at the same time that the Prime Minister Alain Juppé introduced his new plan on Retirement and Social Security. It has taken 20 years for generic drugs to become integrated into the pharmacy community, and for acceptance to be reached by…

Author(s): Jacques Rottembourg, MD, Jessica Nasica-Labouze, PhD

biosimilars, generic drug repertory, generics, non-biological complex drug (NBCD)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2015.0403.029