Search results for Perspective

Assuring patient-centred care: engaging patients with rheumatoid arthritis in disease monitoring and pharmacovigilance

Abstract: With the advent of complex therapies in the form of biologicals, emerging biosimilars and non-biological complex drugs, monitoring for treatment related benefit and the potential for adverse effects is as critical as monitoring for signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis disease progression. With a focus on strengthening patient and provider education and engagement, patients […]

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Licensing and prescribing biosimilars in Australia

Abstract: Some years ago, Australian regulatory authorities decided to follow the path laid down by the European Medicines Agency in adopting a process for approval of biosimilars. This has been a largely successful process, resulting in the licensing of biosimilars for many peptides, especially epoetin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Aside from the availability of […]

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Equivalence of generic medicines in general and immunosuppressants in particular – a regulatory opinion on switching of ciclosporin, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil

Abstract: This position paper deals with our regulatory opinion on registered generic immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, and provides arguments why these medicines are considered equally safe and effective as the branded drug based on demonstrated bioequivalence. Though regulators acknowledge the worries from the field, we are of the opinion that there […]

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Biosimilarity in Latin America

Abstract: The introduction of new legislation in Latin America for the approval of biosimilar products follows implementation of EU legislation in 2005 for biosimilars approval. The establishment of regulatory processes for these complex drugs will ensure that evidence of safety and efficacy is obtained before approval. Biosimilars are high on the health-policy agenda because they […]

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The future of biological therapy: a pathway forward for biosimilars

Author byline as per print journal: Richard O Dolinar, MD; Michael S Reilly Abstract  Biologicals are advanced prescription drugs to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating diseases. In November 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began consultation with patient groups, physicians and industry on how to approve the first copies […]

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Why bioequivalence and unconditional interchangeability of generic drugs are not the same

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 […]

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Health professionals in the risk communication process on counterfeit medicines

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: […]

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Terminology for biosimilars–a confusing minefield

Author byline as per print journal: Robin Thorpe, PhD, FRCPath; Meenu Wadhwa, PhD Abstract:  Biosimilars are firmly established in the EU as copy biologicals with a clear and effective regulatory route for approval. Unfortunately, inconsistency in nomenclature for biosimilars has caused confusion. This problem of terminology has been the subject of a recent publication. The confusion is […]

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Biosimilars in oncology: current and future perspectives

Abstract: Cancer represents a significant, and growing, burden on healthcare systems. This is driven, at least in part, by escalating cancer drug budgets. Loss of patent protection on biopharmaceuticals enables the development and production of similar biological medicines, or biosimilars. Biosimilars are currently available for use in oncology in the supportive care setting; the focus […]

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Promoting access to biosimilars: a public−private partnership model for biosimilar development in underserved populations

Author byline as per print journal: Timothy Ken Mackey1,2, MAS; Professor Bryan A Liang1,3,4, MD, JD, PhD Abstract:  Biologicals represent the future of pharmaceutical treatments and innovation. Yet, emerging and developing markets lack access to these often essential medicines. Biosimilar development represents a potential solution to this problem, by offering lower cost and improved access, but […]

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Myths, questions, facts about generic drugs in the EU

Abstract: Many generic drugs are now being prescribed and the trend is increasing. For example, in Austria, the number of all generics prescriptions has more than doubled from 11% in 2000 to 23% in 2010. However, many myths and questions about generic drugs remain and information may be difficult to come by. It is therefore […]

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Generic and therapeutic orphans

Abstract:  This commentary discusses the need to develop methods to ensure the availability of non-profitable, off-patent medicines to children and other populations. The history and some of the shortcomings of legislative attempts to provide drug therapy to children are briefly reviewed. Some examples of the inability of the current generics and non-generics pharmaceutical industry as […]

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