The challenge for drug shortage: lessons learned from the quality issues of Japanese generic drug companies

Author byline as per print journal: Takanao Hashimoto1, PhD; Akihiko Ozaki2, MD, PhD; Hiroaki Saito3, MD; Erika Yamashita4, Tetsuya Tanimoto5, MD; Mihajlo Jakovljevic6,7,8, MD, PhD Abstract: This paper examines the repercussions of recent quality and regulatory crises in Japan’s generic pharmaceutical sector, focusing on incidents involving Sawai Group Holdings (Sawai GHD) and other manufacturers. It […]


US interchangeability designation: are we ready to cut the Gordian knot?

Author byline as per print journal: Joseph P Park1, PhD; Gillian R Woollett2, MA, DPhil Abstract: US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) current thinking on interchangeability has evolved since the legal designation was first created in 2010. Based on experience, FDA now acknowledges that clinical switching studies are not generally needed for the interchangeability designation […]


Misinformation about interchangeable biosimilars undermines US health policy, physician confidence, and patient health

Author byline as per print journal: Michael S Reilly, Esq; Ralph D McKibbin, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF Abstract: The US biosimilar programme has been highly successful with 53 biosimilars approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for 17 reference products. As in most advanced nations of Europe, all FDA-approved biosimilars may be substituted […]


Comparative efficacy studies of biosimilars: data versus theoretical risks, beliefs, and comfort

Abstract: In principle, biosimilars could mitigate the problem of the rising cost of biological medicines. However, the current stringent and non-harmonized regulatory practices hinder competition and contribute to the high price level of biosimilars. The quality, safety, and efficacy of biosimilars developed, according to the current guidelines of ‘stringent’ regulatory agencies have proven to be […]


Current understanding, knowledge, and perception of biosimilars in a changing landscape of regulatory requirements

Author byline as per print journal: Andriy Krendyukov, MD, PhD; Marta Bakowska, BA (Hon), MPH; Dirk Schiller, PhD; Sanjay Singhvi, BSc (Hon), MBBS, MBA Introduction: Healthcare providers often lack familiarity with the concepts surrounding the biosimilars industry and the evidence required to support biosimilar development. This paper assesses current understanding, knowledge and perception of biosimilars […]


Ethnic sensitivity assessments in biosimilar monoclonal antibodies clinical development programmes: necessary or not?

Author byline as per print journal: Sandeep N Athalye1, MBBS, MD; Dev B Baruah1, MPharm; Shivani Mittra1, MPharm, PhD; Ankit Ranpura1, MD; Kuldeep Kumar1, PhD; Elena Wolff-Holz2, MD Abstract: Ethnic sensitivity assessments in the form of bridging pharmacokinetics (PK) studies are often needed for biosimilar monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to meet regulatory requirements in regions like […]


Can local policies on biosimilars optimize the use of freed resources – experiences from Italy

Author byline as per print journal: Brian Godman1,2,3, BSc, PhD; Eleonora Allocati4, BSc, MSc; Evelien Moorkens5, MSc, PhD; Hye-Young Kwon, PhD1,6 Abstract: There is an increasing need to prescribe biosimilars to fund new medicines and increasing medicine volumes. Bertolani and Jommi document successful measures introduced regionally in Italy. The recent GaBI Journal manuscript by Bertolani […]


An evolving role for non-governmental organizations dealing with registration backlogs and rising costs: the example of cancer biosimilars in South Africa

Abstract: Around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries, national regulatory authorities are struggling with registration backlogs and the affordability of medicines. This paper draws on the example of cancer biosimilars in South Africa to illustrate how non-governmental organizations can help regulatory authorities decide which registration applications to prioritize by providing information on clinical […]


40th anniversary of essential medicines: a loud call for improving its access

Author byline as per print journal: Mohammad Bashaar, PhD; Professor Mohamed Azmi Hassali, PhD; Fahad Saleem, PhD Abstract: The soaring costs of medicine are a global dilemma. It was hoped that the concept of essential medicines would help countries and policymakers contain the climbing costs of medicine over the last 40 years. This concept was conceived to […]


Pharmacovigilance of biosimilars and other biologicals within the hospital: current practices and future challenges

Author byline as per print journal: Barbara OM Claus, PharmD, PhD; Tiene Bauters, PharmD, PhD; Annemie Somers, PharmD, PhD Abstract: In the coming decade, many patents for biological pharmaceuticals will expire. Consequently, the market for biosimilars has the potential to grow rapidly. For safety reasons, the more extensive use of a greater variety of biologicals increases […]


Biosimilars in Italy: a gastroenterologist’s view

Author byline as per print journal: Vito Annese, MD; Tommaso Gabbani, MD; Antonio Luca Annese, MD Abstract: The introduction of biological therapy has revolutionized the paradigm of treatment in the last two decades. This is expected to lead to corresponding amelioration of the course of several immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, this […]


Are the perspectives regarding the use of biosimilars in the setting of haematology and blood and marrow transplant changing?

Introduction: Canada is among the leading spenders in pharmaceuticals. Based on projected figures, the cost of pharmaceuticals is expected to rise by another 6–12% by 2023. Approximately CAN$4.6 billion of healthcare funding is spent on biological drugs (including growth factors and monoclonal antibodies) which are commonly used in the setting of haematology and blood and […]