Biosimilars: achieving long-term savings and competitive markets

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) […]


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 […]


First MENA educational workshop on regulation and approval of similar biotherapeutic products/biosimilars, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 September 2015

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 […]


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 […]


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 […]


The challenges of nomenclature – INN, biosimilars and biological qualifiers

Abstract: A novel global and company specific biological qualifier, distinct from the International Nonproprietary Name (INN), is proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) for all biological active substances. Submitted: 14 May 2015; Revised: 2 July 2015; Accepted: 6 July 2015; Published online first: 20 July 2015 Introduction to INN The concept of one single non-proprietary […]


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 […]


Norway, biosimilars in different funding systems. What works?

Abstract: Biosimilars can substitute treatment with expensive biological drugs and release money to treat more patients. Experience from Norway shows how this can be done with and without success. Submitted: 18 May 2015; Revised: 22 May 2015; Accepted: 26 May 2015; Published online first: 8 June 2015 Introduction Drug budgets and total healthcare expenditure can […]


The implementation of generics in France

Abstract: The first recognized and trusted generic drugs were launched in France in 1995, at the same time that the Prime Minister Alain Juppé introduced his new plan on Retirement and Social Security. It has taken 20 years for generic drugs to become integrated into the pharmacy community, and for acceptance to be reached by […]


Biosimilars: patient and physician acceptability is the fifth hurdle to market competition

Abstract: Biosimilar products confront novel market authorization and post-marketing use hurdles. Existing evidence is insufficient to fully address physician and payer acceptability thresholds. Submitted: 4 March 2015; Revised: 5 March 2015; Accepted: 9 March 2015; Published online first: 20 March 2015 In this issue of GaBI Journal, Sandorff et al. [1] investigate payer and physician […]


First Latin American educational workshop on similar biotherapeutic products, Mexico City, Mexico, 20 January 2015

Introduction: Similar Biotherapeutic Products (SBPs or biosimilars) comprise a rapidly expanding area of therapeutics worldwide. However, best practices for their regulation are lacking in many Latin American countries. Methods: The first in a series of educational workshops on SBPs in Latin America was held in Mexico City on 20 January 2015. Didactic presentations covered the […]


Pharmaceutical pricing in Croatia: a comparison of ordinances in 2013 versus 2009 and their potential savings to provide future guidance

Author byline as per print journal: Ljiljana Sović Brkičić, MPharm; Brian Godman, BSc, PhD; Martina Bogut, BSc; Miron Sršen, MD; Hye-Young Kwon, BPharm, MPH, PhD; Winnie de Bruyn, BSc; Tonko Tabain, MD Introduction: Croatia has introduced a number of reforms to contain pharmaceutical expenditure whilst increasing access to new medicines. These include new regulations and new […]