Infliximab discontinuation in patients with originator retransition vs biosimilar continuation

Submitted: 4 November 2023; Revised: 24 November 2023; Accepted: 27 November 2023; Published online first: 28 November 2023 A study by Meijboom et al. aimed to compare the risk of and reasons for infliximab discontinuation between retransitioned patients and those remaining on biosimilar [1]. When the market exclusivity of the originator infliximab (Remicade) expired in 2014, […]


Switches between biosimilars and their reference products

Submitted: 22 November 2023; Revised: 24 November 2023; Accepted: 27 November 2023; Published online first: 28 November 2023 Biologics are the fastest-growing class of medications in the United States and account for a substantial and growing portion of healthcare costs. The Biologics Price Competition Act of 2009 created an abbreviated approval pathway for the U.S. Food […]


Biosimilar epoetin for cancer and chemotherapy-induced anaemia in the US

Biosimilars are biological drug products that are highly similar to reference products in analytic features, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, safety and efficacy. Biosimilar epoetin received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2018 [1]. The manufacturer received an FDA non-approval letter in 2017, despite receiving a favourable review by the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory […]


Poor traceability of biologicals in UK ADR reporting indicates the need for improvements to ensure patient safety

Submitted: 27 January 2020; Revised: 29 January 2020; Accepted: 29 January 2020; Published online first: 25 February 2020 Biological medical products (biologicals) are derived from living cells or organisms. Due to their complex structures and the inherent challenges for manufacturing, a degree of minor variability may exist between different batches of the same product and between […]


HIV patients will accept generic treatments

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in high-income countries are likely to accept the introduction of generic antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, according to a study carried out by researchers in Ireland [1]. Between July and August 2015, a survey of 66 patients was carried out in one-to-one interviews at St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Descriptive and univariate […]


Healthcare professionals will accept generic HIV treatments

Healthcare professionals working with HIV patients in high-income countries are likely to accept the introduction of generic antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), according to a study carried out by researchers in Ireland [1]. Between the end of August and November 2015, 30 healthcare professionals completed an online survey about the introduction of generic ARVs. Descriptive and univariate […]