Author byline as per print journal: Professor Shein-Chung Chow, PhD, Christine Ju, MSc Abstract: Biological (large molecule) drug products are made via living systems and are complex and variable in nature. As a result, generic forms of biological products, also termed biosimilars in the EU or follow-on biologics by the US Food and Drug Administration, can…

bioequivalence, biosimilarity, BPCIA, follow-on biologics, interchangeability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.004

Abstract:  Biosimilars have the potential for making savings in healthcare costs, and with resource allocation, if competition is permitted at the level of treatment induction. Submitted: 24 August 2012; Revised: 17 January 2013; Accepted: 4 February 2013; Published online first: 13 February 2013 The last decade or so has seen the introduction of many truly innovative biological pharmaceuticals that have had a…

Author(s): Gustaf Befrits

biosimilar pharmaceuticals, biosimilars, EU, healthcare financing, substitution, Sweden

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.009

Author byline as per print journal: Professor Joan Rovira, PhD; Leandro Lindner, BSc; Emmanuel Giménez, BSc; Professor Jaime Espín, PhD; Antonio Olry de Labry, PhD; Leticia García, BSc Introduction and study objectives: To describe the development of biosimilars in 24 European Union (EU) Member States, plus Norway and Switzerland, and to identify the key parameters…

Author(s): Antonio Olry de Labry, PhD, Emmanuel Giménez, BSc, Leandro Lindner, BSc, Leticia García, BSc, Professor Jaime Espín, PhD, Professor Joan Rovira, PhD

biosimilars, European Union, market dynamics

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.012

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

Abstract:  Comment on the Letters to the Editor by Dr Carlo Petrini: A bioethicist’s view of the use of biosimilars Submitted: 8 October 2012; Revised: 9 October 2012; Accepted: 9 October 2012; Published online first: 11 October 2012 In the European Union the word ‘biosimilar’ denotes a copy version of an already authorized biological medicinal product with…

Author(s): Dr Kalle Hoppu

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.035

Abstract:  In recognition of the many ethically sensitive issues raised by the production and use of biosimilar medicinal products, the author imagines having to answer the non-multiple choice question ‘From the ethical point of view, what is the most important issue raised by biosimilars?’, and endeavours to explain why the proposed answer is ‘safety’. Submitted:…

Author(s): Carlo Petrini, PhD

bioethics, drugs, ethics committees, legislation, risk, safety

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.034

Abstract:  Dylst et al. provide a detailed overview about the characteristics of reference price systems in Europe and discuss their possible impact. The role of stakeholders in the implementation of this policy measure requires further attention. Submitted: 16 September 2012; Revised: 17 September 2012; Accepted: 19 September 2012; Published online first: 21 September 2012 Dylst…

Author(s): Sabine Vogler, PhD

generics policies, health professionals, patients, reference price system, reimbursement

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.031

Abstract: The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) is a Japanese drug regulatory agency, sharing responsibilities with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Its mission is to protect the public health by assuring safety, efficacy and quality of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This paper introduces PMDA’s current situation (until spring 2012) including its organisational…

Author(s): Yuki Ando, BA, Toshiyoshi Tominaga, PhD, Tatsuya Kondo, MD, PhD

approval review, international strategy, Japanese regulatory authority, PMDA, regulatory science, safety measure

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2013.0201.013

Abstract:  A study presented at the 2010 Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, had created a considerable stir. Its abstract allegedly showed that the originator drug Lipitor was more beneficial than any of its generic statin equivalents. But, in fact the study merely showed that the different potencies of statins were not taken adequately…

Author(s): Christoph Baumgärtel, MD, MSc

cardiovascular risk, generics, inferiority, potency, statins

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.032

Abstract:  Vogler and Zimmerman, reporting on the 2011 Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) Conference, have noted the incomplete application of generics policies in many settings, and have called for more consistent policies. While many of the basic building blocks of such policies are well described, some elements required renewed attention. Submitted: 23 July 2012;…

Author(s): Andy Gray, MScPharm, FPS, FFIP

generics policies, transparency, WHO policy

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.027

Abstract:  Communication is a key component in the fight against counterfeit medicines affecting the lives of patients. Two types of risk communication should be distinguished: pro-active and reactive. Reactive communication can be facilitated by appropriate pro-active communication strategies, and healthcare professionals can be powerful allies in communication activities targeting patients. Submitted: 27 July 2012; Revised:…

Author(s): Luc Besançon

counterfeit medicines, healthcare professionals, risk communication

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.026

Abstract:  The International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) has endorsed a new guideline concerning the development and manufacture of chemical and biotechnological/biological drug substances. The guideline harmonises the scientific and technical principles relating to the development and description of the drug substance manufacturing process to be included within the Common Technical Document (CTD) and submitted to…

Author(s): Keith McDonald, MSc, MRPharmS, Kowid Ho, PhD

biotechnological and chemical substances, drug substance quality, ICH Q11

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.025