Do pricing and usage-enhancing policies differ between biosimilars and generics? Findings from an international survey

Introduction/Study objective: This paper aims to survey the policies implemented by European countries for pricing and promoting the use of biosimilar medicines and to explore similarities and differences with policies for generic medicines. Methods: A literature review was supplemented by primary data collection with policymakers. Members of the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) network, […]


Patent expiry dates for biologicals: 2016 update

Abstract: Biosimilars have been approved in Europe since 2006 and in the US since 2015. With patents on originator biologicals expiring and ever-tightening healthcare budgets, biosimilars are expected to take an increasing share of the biologicals market. In light of these facts, this paper gives estimated patent expiry dates for just some of the best-selling […]


Data requirements to demonstrate biosimilarity in the EU

Abstract: How has the European Medicines Agency (EMA) changed its requirements for biosimilars since it first approved biosimilars in 2006? This is the question Dr Martina Weise, Head of Licensing Division at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), discussed at the 14th Annual Biosimilar Medicines Group Conference. Submitted: 1 December 2016; Revised: […]


Biosimilar product labels in Europe: what information should they contain?

Abstract: In 2016, a multi-stakeholder workshop was held on the topic of ‘Biosimilar Labelling’. The discussions concerning labelling particulars are outlined in this meeting report. Submitted: 21 November 2016; Revised: 23 January 2017; Accepted: 24 January 2017; Published online first: 6 February 2017 Introduction Labels on medicinal products contain information for pharmacists, physicians and patients. […]


Naming and labelling of biologicals – a survey of US physicians’ perspectives

Introduction: The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) released its requirements for the non-proprietary naming of biological products in January 2017. Before the FDA’s release, the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) asked physicians for their views on the labelling and naming of biosimilar medicines. Study objectives: To determine the opinions of physicians who prescribe […]


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 […]


Biosimilars in Italy: a gastroenterologist’s view

Author byline as per print journal: Vito Annese, MD; Tommaso Gabbani, MD; Antonio Luca Annese, MD Abstract: The introduction of biological therapy has revolutionized the paradigm of treatment in the last two decades. This is expected to lead to corresponding amelioration of the course of several immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, this […]


Demonstrating interchangeability and biosimilarity for US biosimilars

Abstract: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlines its approach to biosimilarity and interchangeability at the 2016 Generic Pharmaceutical Association Biosimilars Council Conference. Topics covered include the FDA definition of biosimilarity, its step-wise approach to the approval process and factors/issues that should be considered when providing scientific justification for extrapolation. Submitted: 22 September 2016; […]


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. […]


Reducing healthcare costs and building trust in biosimilar medicines

Author byline as per print journal: Niklas Ekman, PhD; Professor Arnold G Vulto, PharmD, PhD; Paul Cornes, MD Abstract: The increasing cost of medicines was highlighted at the Biosimilar Medicines Group (formerly EBG) satellite symposium at the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists’ 2016 Vienna conference. Using biosimilars as a way to reduce pharmaceutical expenditure was […]


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. […]


First biosimilar of infliximab approved in Brazil: response from the Brazilian IBD society

Abstract: CT-P13 was the first infliximab biosimilar approved in Brazil. Approval was granted for all indications of the innovator. Despite similar efficacy and safety, vigilance remains essential. Submitted: 4 January 2016; Revised: 27 January 2016; Accepted: 1 February 2016; Published online first: 12 February 2016 On 27 April 2015, the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Agência […]