Contents Editor’s Letter The importance of trust Original Research Social trust and regional variation in the adoption of biosimilars in Italy and Germany US prescribers’ attitudes and perceptions about biosimilars Review Article Development of Ph. Eur. standards for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies: infliximab case study Meeting Report Key factors for successful uptake of biosimilars: Europe and the US

Abstract: CinnaGen, the largest biopharmaceutical company in the MENA region, is a leader in developing follow-on biologicals/biosimilars. Dr Haleh Hamedifar, Chairperson of CinnaGen, spoke to GaBI (Generics and Biosimilars Initiative) about the company’s strategic focus, which includes expanding its product portfolio, entering highly regulated global markets, and advancing affordable treatments for conditions such as multiple…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

biosimilars, clinical development, commercialization, MENA (Middle East and North Africa)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1303.037

Author byline as per print journal: Irene Krämer, PhD; Frank Erdnuess, PhD; Judith Thiesen, PhD Study objectives: To determine the physicochemical stability of Etoposide Accord concentrate in punctured vials and after dilution to the concentrations 0.2 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL and 0.45 mg/mL in commonly used infusion fluids and containers. Methods: Test solutions were prepared aseptically…

concentrated solution, diluted infusion solution, etoposide, HPLC, physicochemical stability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.018

Editor's Letter

Published on 11 July 2024

First 2024 GaBI Journal issue highlights

It was with great pleasure that I assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of GaBI Journal in January of this year. Taking over the helm from Professor Philip D Walson is a considerable challenge; Phil’s excellent, thorough example will be very difficult to follow. My experience is restricted largely to biosimilars with which I have…

Author(s): Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1301.001

Author byline as per print journal: Irene Krämer, PhD; Frank Erdnuess, PhD; Judith Thiesen, PhD Study objectives: To determine the physicochemical stability of Gemcitabine Accord 100 mg/mL concentrate in original vials after first opening and after dilution with 0.9% sodium chloride solution in polyolefine (PO) bags at concentrations of 0.1 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL. Methods:…

concentrated solution, diluted infusion solution, gemcitabine, physicochemical stability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.026

Contents Editor’s Letter What to look forward to in GaBI Journal, 2022, Issue 2 Commentary Substitution and interchangeability: time for a conversation? Original Research On statistical evaluation for interchangeability of biosimilar products A case study of AstraZeneca’s omeprazole/esomeprazole chiral switch strategy Review Article Manufacture and regulation of cell, tissue and gene therapy products: global perspectives,…

Author byline as per print journal: Irene Krämer, PhD; Frank Erdnuess, PhD; Judith Thiesen, PhD Study objectives: To determine the physicochemical stability of undiluted Cabazitaxel Accord in punctured original vials and after dilution with 0.9% sodium chloride solution or 5% glucose solution in non-PVC bottles at the concentrations 0.1 mg/mL and 0.26 mg/mL. Methods: Punctured…

cabazitaxel, concentrated solution, diluted infusion solution, HPLC, physicochemical stability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.027

Meeting Report

Published on 14 April 2025

Current trends in biosimilar uptake and special focus on automatic substitution – a symposium report

Abstract: In December 2023, the University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), and University Pharmacy (Yliopiston Apteekki) Helsinki collaborated to present the online symposium titled ‘Current Trends in Biosimilar Uptake and Research with Special Focus on Automatic Substitution’. This provided an overview of global trends in biosimilar use and a systematic examination of the implications…

Author(s): Professor Alan Lyles, BSPharm, MPH, ScD, PhD (h.c.), Heinonen E, MD, PhD, Tolonen HM, MSc (Pharm), PhD, Linden K, MSc (Pharm), MSc (Econ), PhD, Sihvo S, PhD, Sarnola K, MSc (Pharm), MSc (Econ), PhD, Airaksinen M, MSc (Pharm), PhD

affordable medicines, automatic substitution, biological medicines, biosimilar, community pharmacy, Finland

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2025.1402.009

Author byline as per print journal: Irene Krämer, PhD; Frank Erdnuess, PhD; Judith Thiesen, PhD Study objectives: To determine the physicochemical stability of Epirubicin Accord 2 mg/mL concentrate in original glass vials after first opening and after transfer to polypropylene (PP) syringes as well as diluted Epirubicin Accord solutions 0.1 mg/mL, 1.6 mg/mL in 0.9%…

concentrated solution, diluted infusion solution, epirubicin, physicochemical stability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.012

Author byline as per print journal: Irene Krämer, PhD; Frank Erdnuess, PhD; Judith Thiesen, PhD Study objectives: To assess the physicochemical stability of fludarabine in punctured original vials and after dilution with 0.9% sodium chloride solution at three different concentrations (0.25 mg/mL, 1.2 mg/mL, 6.0 mg/mL) in commonly used infusion containers. Methods: Test solutions were…

concentrated solution, diluted infusion solution, fludarabine, HPLC, physicochemical stability

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.031

Meeting Report

Published on 25 March 2025

Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.2305): weakening FDA regulatory standards for biosimilars, undermining physician confidence and jeopardizing patient health

Introduction: In the US, some biosimilars that meet additional requirements may be approved as interchangeable products. This means they can undergo pharmacy-level substitution. An online webinar titled ‘Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.2305): Weakening FDA Regulatory Standards for Biosimilars, Undermining Physician Confidence and Jeopardizing Patient Health’, was held to discuss its implications on medicines availability, safety…

Author(s): Michael S Reilly, Esq, Ralph D McKibbin, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, Professor Philip J Schneider, MS, FASHP, FASPEN, FFIP, Andrew Spiegel, Esq

interchangeable biosimilar, misinformation, switch studies

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2025.1401.005

Author byline as per print journal: Irene Krämer, PhD; Frank Erdnuess, PhD; Judith Thiesen, PhD Abstract: This study assessed the physicochemical stability of Bortezomib Accord 2.5 mg/mL solutions for subcutaneous and intravenous injection under various storage conditions. Bortezomib 2.5 mg/mL solutions for subcutaneous injection remained stable for up to 84 days in punctured vials and…

bortezomib, intravenous injection, physicochemical stability, subcutaneous injection

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2024.1302.015