Author byline as per print journal: Professor Philip J Schneider, MS, FASHP; Michael S Reilly, Esq Introduction: To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has offered only draft guidance on the naming of biosimilar medicines. The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) has asked pharmacists for their views on the labelling and naming of […]
Abstract: Physicians are pondering the clinical use of biosimilars. A reliance on clinical trials is deeply rooted in the modern healthcare system, whereas comparability and totality of evidence remain unknown concepts. This editorial explores these ideas, with reference to a case study of Italian gastroenterologists. Submitted: 24 October 2016; Revised: 1 November 2016; Accepted: 1 […]
Introduction: Canada is among the leading spenders in pharmaceuticals. Based on projected figures, the cost of pharmaceuticals is expected to rise by another 6–12% by 2023. Approximately CAN$4.6 billion of healthcare funding is spent on biological drugs (including growth factors and monoclonal antibodies) which are commonly used in the setting of haematology and blood and […]
Abstract: There is considerable concern and debate over the naming of biologicals and labelling of biosimilars. To ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective treatment, it is paramount that clinicians, prescribers and patients themselves have the relevant information regarding drug treatment. In response to concerns over how biologicals and biosimilars should be named […]
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 […]
Author byline as per print journal: Brian Godman1,2,3, BSc, PhD; Eleonora Allocati4, BSc, MSc; Evelien Moorkens5, BSc, MSc Abstract: Siu et al. comprehensively assessed the rapidly changing regulation and reimbursement environment for biologicals and biosimilars in Canada and the resultant implications. The current situation in Canada is compared with similar initiatives across different countries to […]
Abstract: The development of biological medicinal products is in rapid growth and as patents for reference products expire, new biosimilar products become available. This has a marked impact on several stakeholders; from patients and physicians to decision-makers, and on activities; from treatment of patients to the conduct of pharmacovigilance. The Danish Medicines Agency (Laegemiddelstyrelsen, DKMA) […]
Author byline as per print journal: Jorge Mestre-Ferrandiz, PhD; Adrian Towse, MA; Mikel Berdud, PhD Abstract: Payers need to think strategically in medium/long term to maximize benefits from biosimilars. Concerns about biosimilars’ interchangeability/substitution (with their reference product) and uncertainty about outcomes act as barriers for their uptake. This paper recommends a policy which provides: (1) […]
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 […]
Introduction: Similar biotherapeutic products (SBPs or biosimilars) include a rapidly expanding number of therapeutic products worldwide. However, agreement about the best practices for their regulation are lacking in many countries including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Methods: The first MENA educational workshop on SBPs was held in Dubai, UAE on 1 September […]
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 […]
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 […]
