Author byline as per print journal: Chad Rieger1, MBA; Lisa Hall1, PhD; David Lim2,3, DPH Abstract: Bandiera et al. (2002) identified the potential for competitors’ promotional materials to use certain terms with technical meanings, such as ‘interchangeable’ and ‘substitution’, in a misleading way in Australia. Submitted: 30 June 2022; Revised: 4 July 2022; Accepted: 5 […]
Abstract: In the US, 28 biosimilars have been approved, with 10 in the last two years. The US is keeping pace with the EU who pioneered biosimilars approvals a decade earlier. Herein, current FDA regulations and hurdles encountered for US biosimilar approval and uptake are discussed. Submitted: 12 October 2020; Revised: 28 October 2020; Accepted: […]
Abstract: Regulatory standards for recombinant DNA (rDNA)-derived medicinal products put in place over 40 years ago provided a framework for moving forward with novel biotechnologies and biosimilars leading to their success as highly eff ective medicines. As biologicals and biosimilars are increasingly developed, licensed and used worldwide less experienced manufacturers and regulatory agencies need support […]
Abstract: Knowledge of the higher order structure of proteins is important in biopharmacological studies, such as in biosimilar comparability studies. This paper describes the analytical methods available to determine higher order structures. It finds that, although other methods exist, spectroscopic methods remain most commonly used. Submitted: 7 February 2020; Revised: 7 March 2020; Accepted: 12 […]
Author byline as per print journal: Peter J Pitts, BA; Michael S Reilly, Esq Abstract: The World Health Organization should finalize its Biological Qualifier guidance. Distinguishable naming will allow quick and accurate tracing of the manufacturer, should adverse events occur and improve patient safety by reducing confusion and mishaps. This will ensure that developing nations, including […]
Abstract: Major cost savings are achievable in pharmacotherapy in the European Union since biosimilars to most best-selling biological medicinal products have been licensed. Unfortunately, the window of opportunity may be missed since neither national pricing, reimbursement and procurement systems nor prescribers are well prepared for biosimilars’ entry to the market. Submitted: 9 March 2018; Revised: […]
Abstract: An extensive overview of policies related to pharmacy-mediated substitution of biosimilars across the world was carried out by Larkin et al. in 2017. The details of this are discussed in this commentary. Submitted: 17 November 2017; Revised: 28 November 2017; Accepted: 4 December 2017; Published online first: 15 December 2017 Introduction An extensive overview […]
Abstract: Dr Brian Godman and Professor Mohamed Azmi Hassali review Rida et al. regarding pricing strategies for pharmaceuticals in developing countries. Submitted: 15 March 2017; Revised: 22 March 2017; Accepted: 24 March 2017; Published online first: 6 April 2017 Rida and Ibrahim are to be congratulated on their extensive review of ongoing pricing strategies in […]
Author byline as per print journal: Brian Godman, BSc, PhD; Claudia Wild, PhD; Alan Haycox, PhD Abstract: Venkatesan S et al. have researched patent rights and pricing for (non-)tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It is not clear why the patent rights are so long and why prices of (non-)tyrosine kinase inhibitors can be high. These issues are discussed. […]
Abstract: The Opinion article of Niazi urges the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make adjustments to its guidance on biosimilar development. This article comments on some of the proposals from a global perspective, including the global reference product and the biosimilar comparability programme. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has stated that the biosimilar market […]
Author byline as per print journal: Brian Godman1,2,3, BSc, PhD; Eleonora Allocati4, BSc, MSc; Evelien Moorkens5, BSc, MSc Abstract: Siu et al. comprehensively assessed the rapidly changing regulation and reimbursement environment for biologicals and biosimilars in Canada and the resultant implications. The current situation in Canada is compared with similar initiatives across different countries to […]
Author byline as per print journal: Jorge Mestre-Ferrandiz, PhD; Adrian Towse, MA; Mikel Berdud, PhD Abstract: Payers need to think strategically in medium/long term to maximize benefits from biosimilars. Concerns about biosimilars’ interchangeability/substitution (with their reference product) and uncertainty about outcomes act as barriers for their uptake. This paper recommends a policy which provides: (1) […]
