The impact of religion on human embryonic stem cell regulations: comparison between the UK, Germany and the US

Author byline as per print journal: Hajaj M Alhomaidan; Ali M Alhomaidan, PhD Abstract: This paper describes the differences in human embryonic stem cell regulations in several Christian countries across the world: Italy, Spain, the UK, Germany and the US. It discusses issues related to Catholic and Protestant countries and how the differences in religious […]


Major lessons learned from Zarxio’s US launch: the start of a biosimilar revolution

Introduction: Launched in 2015, Zarxio™ (filgrastim-sndz) was the first biosimilar to gain US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. In contrast, the first biosimilar was launched in Europe in 2006. Objective: To identify key biosimilar sales and marketing trends and their drivers, this will enable best practices to be outlined for manufacturers looking to enter […]


Biosimilars in Italy: what do real-world data reveal?

Author byline as per print journal: Assistant Professor Gianluca Trifirò, MD, PhD; Ylenia Ingrasciotta, MSc; Ilaria Marcianò, MSc; Armando A Genazzani, DPhil, MD Abstract: This paper aims to provide an overview of the available real-world data about the pattern of use and the comparative effectiveness of biosimilars and originator biological drugs in Italy. Different observational studies […]


Ocular emulsions and dry eye: a case study of a non-biological complex drug product delivered to a complex organ to treat a complex disease

Author byline as per print journal: Anu Gore, PhD; Mayssa Attar, PhD; Chetan Pujara, PhD; Sesha Neervannan, PhD Abstract: Generic drugs are intended to provide a lower cost option of safe and effective medicines thereby granting greater patient access to affordable health care. A sound scientific basis and a robust regulatory process to demonstrate bioequivalence of […]


Cost-minimization analysis of generic equivalents (bortezomib, decitabine and capecitabine) in comparison to the originator brand medicines in Colombia

Author byline as per print journal: Shyam Akku, MD; Amit Garg, MD; Suhas Khandarkar, MPharm Introduction: Majority of the Colombian population has become health insured leading to improved healthcare access in the country. Healthcare expenses have risen drastically, and cancer is responsible for the major disease burden. An option to reduce cost burden is to replace […]


Current state of subsequent entry biologics (biosimilars) in Canada: a view from regulatory, reimbursement, clinician, and patient perspectives

Abstract: Biological molecules represent a significant portion of therapies utilized in Canada. Biosimilars, also known as subsequent entry biologics (SEBs) in Canada, are highly comparable versions of the originator products. Over the next few years, a number of patents for innovator biologicals will expire in Canada and this creates a tremendous opportunity for the entrance […]


The generic medicines system in Italy: scenarios for sustainable growth

Author byline as per print journal: Federico Fontolan1, MA; Silvia Zucconi1, MStat; Carlo Piccinni2, PhD Abstract: In this paper, an overview is provided of the present Italian generic medicines system. Data on generic medicines market share and enterprise performance were reviewed and discussed, and the results of a survey completed by general practitioners (Computer Assisted […]


Assessment of the interchangeability between generics

Author byline as per print journal: Luther Gwaza1,2, BPharm, MPhil; John Gordon3, PhD; Henrike Potthast4, PhD; Marc Maliepaard5, PhD; Jan Welink5, Hubert Leufkens1,5, PhD; Matthias Stahl6, MD; Alfredo García-Arieta7, PhD Abstract: Generic medicines are approved by regulatory authorities based on demonstration of bioequivalence with the innovator, however, direct comparison between all available generics of the […]


An ever-evolving landscape: an update on the rapidly changing regulation and reimbursement of biosimilars in Canada

Author byline as per print journal: Eric CK Siu1,4, MSc, PhD; Anne Tomalin2,4, BA, BSc; Kevin West3,4, BA; Sandra Anderson4, BA, MBA; George Wyatt1,4, BSc, MBA Abstract: Since the introduction of the first infliximab biosimilar, Inflectra®, significant changes have taken place in the Canadian biosimilar landscape, and both the regulatory and the reimbursement processes have […]


Life begins at forty – hybridomas: ageing technology holds promise for future drug discoveries

Abstract: Hybridomas were developed in 1975 as a stable platform for creating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Over the past 40 years, hybridomas have been a leading platform for creating mAbs, yet of the 50 commercial mAbs approved for sale by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only 18 are produced using hybridomas. Of the remainder, […]


Biosimilars patent litigation in the EU and the US: a comparative strategic overview

Abstract: Biosimilars are highly similar versions of reference biological products, some with the potential to be deemed ‘interchangeable’ by regulatory bodies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration. Biosimilar patent litigation continues to evolve as biosimilars enter new global markets. This manuscript takes a look at patent litigation strategies in a more developed biosimilars […]


Biosimilars: extrapolation of clinical use to other indications

Abstract: Biosimilars should be approved for all the clinical indications of the reference product based on the totality of the evidence even if there is no clinical safety and efficacy data for each indication. The foundation of biosimilar development is the demonstration that chemical, physical and biological parameters are highly similar to the reference product. […]