Pelmeg®, a biosimilar pegfilgrastim developed in the context of evolving regulatory guidelines

Author byline as per print journal: Karsten Roth, PhD; Hendrik Wessels, PhD; Josef Höfler, PhD; Ulrike Scholz, PhD; Dirk Lehnick, PhD Abstract: Pelmeg® is a biosimilar pegfilgrastim, which obtained European Union (EU) regulatory approval in September 2018, with marketing beginning in January 2019. A comprehensive analytical, functional and preclinical comparability programme demonstrated a high degree […]


Regulatory pathway for approval of ‘biosimilars’ in Iran

Abstract: Iran was the first country in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region to publish a legal framework for the registration of biosimilars. This framework is defined by the Iranian Food and Drug Administration (IFDA). It defines biosimilars as biological products that have the same Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) as the Reference Medicinal […]


Biosimilar regulation and approval in Jordan

Author byline as per print journal: Rana Musa Ali Al-ali “Malkawi”, MSc; Wesal Salem Al Haqaish, BPharm; Hayel Obeidat, MD Abstract: The regulatory oversight of medicinal products in Jordan is the responsibility of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). In 2015, JFDA adopted biosimilar guidelines, which are similar to those used by the European […]


Regulation of copy biologicals in China

Abstract: The first draft guidelines for copy biologicals were introduced in China back in 2014. The Technical Guideline was then updated and finalized in 2015. In this paper, how the Drug Registration Regulation (2007) pathway classifies therapeutic biologicals and the principles and challenges of the copy biologicals guideline are described. Submitted: 3 May 2018; Revised: […]


Regulations for biotherapeutics approval in Colombia

Author byline as per print journal: Johanna Andrea García Cortes, MSc; Francisco Javier Sierra Esteban, MSc Abstract: Colombia is in the process of implementing legislation to allow for the approval of biosimilar products so that they can enter the Colombian market. Three regulatory pathways for the submission of biotherapeutic products have been developed and were […]


Regulatory Science Ireland: bridging the information gap on biosimilar medicines

Author byline as per print journal: Joan O’Callaghan, BSc Pharm; Sean Barry, PhD; Una Moore, PhD; Margaret Bermingham, PhD; J Michael Morris, PhD; Frank Hallinan, PhD; Brendan T Griffin, PhD Abstract: Regulatory Science Ireland (RSI) is a voluntary network of interested parties from academia, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), pharmaceutical and medical device industries and government […]


The EU is ready for non-biological complex medicinal products

Abstract: This paper describes the existing European Union legislation and scientific guidance to adequately assess the quality, safety and efficacy, as well as the lifecycle management, of the group of non-biological complex drug (NBCD) products, including nanomedicines such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, glatiramoids and iron-carbohydrate complexes. Submitted: 15 March 2016; Revised: 1 April 2016; Accepted: […]


Pricing of biosimilars in Saudi Arabia

Author byline as per print journal: Ali M Alhomaidan, PhD; Ibrahim A Aljuffali, MSc, PhD; Fahad S Alnutaifi, MHEcon, MPH; Nasseruddeen A AL-Howaimel, MSc Abstract: Innovation in the pharmaceutical industry is expensive and risk must be rewarded. Some novel pharmaceuticals may be worth their high prices. Yet, high prices may hinder accessibility to novel products. […]


Regulatory requirements for the development and registration of biosimilars in South Africa

Abstract: In South Africa, medicines are registered and regulated in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act (Act 101 of 1965), as amended, and the regulations to this Act. A guideline which outlines the quality, non-clinical and clinical requirements for the registration of a biosimilar medicine was first published in March 2012. This […]


Update on US state legislation on biosimilars substitution

Abstract: Since the biosimilars pathway was introduced, many US states have been considering, or have introduced, legislation to allow for substitution of biosimilars deemed interchangeable. This paper gives an update of the current situation. Submitted: 21 April 2015; Revised: 8 May 2015; Accepted: 11 May 2015; Published online first: 25 May 2015 The Biologics Price […]


Korean regulations for biosimilars

Abstract: Regulations for biosimilars in the Republic of Korea have been in place since 2009. Since then, the country has also put in place specific guidelines and approved four biosimilars. Submitted: 18 December 2014; Revised: 23 February 2015; Accepted: 9 March 2015; Published online first: 20 March 2015 The legislative basis for the regulation of […]


Health Canada’s perspective on the clinical development of biosimilars and related scientific and regulatory challenges

Abstract: Biologicals have offered a new avenue for targeting therapy to treat life-threatening and chronic diseases. The recent or pending patent expirations of many successful biologicals have permitted the marketing of ‘copy’ versions of the off-patent biologicals, generally known as biosimilars (subsequent entry biologics in Canada). The reduced clinical package and the potential for extrapolation […]