Abstract: The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) is Japan’s regulatory agency, which works together with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. At the 24th Drug Information Association Annual EuroMeeting in March 2012, PMDA presented an overview of recent trends and special topics in new drug review. Here, the current status and trends are…

Author(s): Toshiki Sugita, PhD

approval review, global clinical trials, Japanese regulatory authority, PMDA, prior assessment consultation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.024

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

Abstract: The introduction of new legislation in Latin America for the approval of biosimilar products follows implementation of EU legislation in 2005 for biosimilars approval. The establishment of regulatory processes for these complex drugs will ensure that evidence of safety and efficacy is obtained before approval. Biosimilars are high on the health-policy agenda because they…

Author(s): Chang Chiann, PhD, Leonardo de Souza Teixeira, PhD, Fabiana Fernandes de Santana e Silva Cardoso, MSc, Isabela da Costa César, PhD, Gerson Antônio Pianetti, PhD

biosimilarity, complex drugs, Latin America

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.021

Abstract: Cancer represents a significant, and growing, burden on healthcare systems. This is driven, at least in part, by escalating cancer drug budgets. Loss of patent protection on biopharmaceuticals enables the development and production of similar biological medicines, or biosimilars. Biosimilars are currently available for use in oncology in the supportive care setting; the focus…

Author(s): Matti Aapro, MD

biosimilars, cost burden, oncology

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.023

Abstract: This position paper deals with our regulatory opinion on registered generic immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, and provides arguments why these medicines are considered equally safe and effective as the branded drug based on demonstrated bioequivalence. Though regulators acknowledge the worries from the field, we are of the opinion that there…

Author(s): Marc Maliepaard, PhD, Yang Yu, PharmD, Professor Hubert GM Leufkens, PharmD, PhD

bioequivalence, drug safety, generics, immunosuppression, regulation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.019

Abstract: The patents for a number of cornerstone immunosuppressive drugs used in the field of solid organ transplantation have expired. Generic formulations are now available and several professional societies and individual physicians have given their opinions on the issue of generics substitution. In this issue of GaBI Journal, several hot topics related to implementation of…

Author(s): Professor Teun van Gelder, MD, PhD

bioequivalence, generics substitution, immunosuppression, transplantation

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.020

Author byline as per print journal: Mario R Sampson, PharmD; Michael Cohen-Wolkowiez, MD, PhD; Professor Daniel Kelly Benjamin Jr, MD, MPH, PhD; Edmund V Capparelli, PharmD; Kevin M Watt, MD Introduction: Childhood obesity is common and results in substantial morbidity. The most commonly prescribed drugs in obese children are antibiotics. However, physiological changes associated with…

Author(s): et al., Mario R Sampson, PharmD

antimicrobial agents, obesity, paediatric, pharmacokinetics

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.025

Objective: To analyse similarities and differences between activities carried out by Austrian sickness funds to encourage more rational use of medicines, including increasing generics uptake. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with pharmacoeconomic unit staff of four regional sickness funds in Austria. Results: Sickness funds include a variety of activities. The main target group is prescribers, who are…

Author(s): Sabine Vogler, PhD, Nina Zimmermann, MA

generics, generics uptake, medicines, monitoring, prescribing, rational use of medicines, sickness funds

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.027

Abstract: Generic medicines are promoted in many countries as an essential part of the healthcare system. However, in Yemen, there are many challenges to the utilisation of generic medicines. Currently, there is no national level policy to enhance or promote generic medicines use. In addition, other challenges to the use of generic medicines in Yemen…

Author(s): Saleh Karamah AL-Tamimi, BPharm, MPharm (ClinPharm), Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali, PhD, Alian A Alrasheedy, BPharm(Hons), MPharm(Clin), BCPS

challenges, consumers, generic medicines, healthcare professionals, Yemen

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.017

Abstract: The lack of clear regulatory guidance remains a key bottleneck for securing a second quality-assured source of liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB), the WHO-recommended drug for visceral leishmaniasis. The approval of the first generic liposomal product by the US Food and Drug Administration in February 2013 could be a turning point, and serve as a…

Author(s): Barbara Milani, Sara Gaspani

drug access, generics, liposomal amphotericin B, liposomal doxorubicin, visceral leishmaniasis

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.022

Abstract: Dr Brian Godman reviews the paper by Vogler and Zimmermann on sickness fund activity in Austria to preferentially encourage the prescribing of generics. This is particularly important given the resources that can be released through increased prescribing of generics. Submitted: 10 June 2013; Revised: 11 June 2013; Accepted: 12 June 2013; Published online first: 20 June 2013 Vogler and Zimmermann have…

Author(s): Brian Godman, BSc, PhD

Austria, demand-side measures, generics, sickness funds

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.026

Editor's Letter

Published on 03 July 2013

What to look forward to in GaBI Journal, 2013, Issue 2

The first of two Letters to the Editor is from Ms Gaspani and Ms Milani expressing their concerns about the lack of clear regulatory guidelines for approval of liposomal generic formulations. Liposomal products are only one and perhaps some of the best-characterized example of non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs). NBCDs while not having a biological source…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0202.028