Regional management of biosimilars in Germany

Abstract: Biosimilars of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, such as infliximab or etanercept, have recently entered the market. The management of these new products by the healthcare systems differ between European countries, and there may be regional differences within countries. This paper describes prescription structures and approaches to manage the uptake of biosimilars in Germany. […]


Pharmacovigilance on biologicals and biosimilars: a Danish perspective

Abstract: The development of biological medicinal products is in rapid growth and as patents for reference products expire, new biosimilar products become available. This has a marked impact on several stakeholders; from patients and physicians to decision-makers, and on activities; from treatment of patients to the conduct of pharmacovigilance. The Danish Medicines Agency (Laegemiddelstyrelsen, DKMA) […]


Importance of manufacturing consistency of the glycosylated monoclonal antibody adalimumab (Humira®) and potential impact on the clinical use of biosimilars

Author byline as per print journal: Professor Paul J Declerck, PhD; Paul W Tebbey, PhD Abstract: The clinical performance of biological therapies is affected by their manufacturing processes. The advent of biosimilars increases the need to understand the clinical impact of potential differences versus originator products. This paper reviews important recently published technical data on […]


New monoclonal antibody biosimilars approved in 2015 in Latin America: position statement of the Latin American Forum on Biosimilars on biosimilarity, interchangeability and extrapolation of indications

Author byline as per print journal: Valderílio Feijó Azevedo1,2, Alejandra Babini3,4, Fabio Vieira Teixeira5,6, Igor Age Kos1,2, Pablo Matar7 Introduction: The Latin American Forum on Biosimilars (FLAB) is an annual meeting that brings together various stakeholders, including key opinion leaders, the pharmaceutical industry, academics, patients, lawyers and other healthcare professionals, to present and discuss recent […]


Non-Biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs) and their follow-on versions: time for an editorial section

Author byline as per print journal: Jon SB de Vlieger, PhD; Professor Stefan Mühlebach, PhD; Vinod P Shah, PhD; Scott E McNeil, PhD; Professor Gerrit Borchard, PharmD, PhD; Vera Weinstein, PhD; Beat Flühmann, PhD; Sesha Neervannan, PhD; Professor Daan JA Crommelin, PhD Abstract: This paper discusses the group of non-biological complex drug (NBCD) products and presents the reasons why […]


Substantial savings with generics in Austria – and still room for more

Abstract: Austria has seen considerable savings with generics, due to its unique pricing system. Generic medicine penetration is, however, not as advanced as in other European countries. Additional savings could be made, provided certain measures are implemented. Submitted: 27 May 2015; Revised: 5 June 2015; Accepted: 8 June 2015; Published online first: 22 June 2015 […]


Norway, biosimilars in different funding systems. What works?

Abstract: Biosimilars can substitute treatment with expensive biological drugs and release money to treat more patients. Experience from Norway shows how this can be done with and without success. Submitted: 18 May 2015; Revised: 22 May 2015; Accepted: 26 May 2015; Published online first: 8 June 2015 Introduction Drug budgets and total healthcare expenditure can […]


The implementation of generics in France

Abstract: The first recognized and trusted generic drugs were launched in France in 1995, at the same time that the Prime Minister Alain Juppé introduced his new plan on Retirement and Social Security. It has taken 20 years for generic drugs to become integrated into the pharmacy community, and for acceptance to be reached by […]


Biosimilars for prescribers

Abstract: Biosimilars are copies of original biological medicines. Biosimilarity is a new concept in drug development. Physicians prescribing biologicals need more neutral information on the quality, safety and efficacy of biosimilars. Submitted: 27 November 2014; Revised: 15 December 2014; Accepted: 18 December 2014; Published online first: 19 December 2014 Introduction The European Union (EU) was […]


Subsequent entry biologics (biosimilars) in Canada: approaches to interchangeability and the extrapolation of indications and uses

Abstract: The principles Health Canada use when extrapolating the indications and uses of a biosimilar product subsequent to a single clinical trial or limited number and scope of clinical trials during product development are discussed. The principles underlying the regulatory framework for subsequent entry biologics (SEBs or biosimilars) in Canada explain the position taken by […]


How to realize the potential of off-patent biologicals and biosimilars in Europe? Guidance to policymakers

Author byline as per print journal: Steven Simoens, PhD; Claude Le Pen, PhD; Niels Boone, PharmD; Ferdinand Breedveld, MD, PhD; Antonella Celano; Antonio Llombart-Cussac, MD, PhD; Frank Jorgensen, MPharm, MM; Andras Süle, PhD; Ad A van Bodegraven, MD, PhD; Rene Westhovens, MD, PhD; Jo De Cock Introduction/Objectives: This manuscript aims to provide guidance to policymakers with […]


Role of hospital clinical pharmacist in transplantation, and generic immunosuppressive therapies

Abstract: The pharmacist is an important patient advocate in the transplant multidisciplinary team and can support patients in their medication taking to improve medication adherence. Medicine optimization and patient information are also vital to this aim. For more than 20 years patients transplanted at our institution have undergone a structured post-operative self-medication training programme so […]