2nd MENA Stakeholder Meeting on Biosimilars 2018 – Report

Introduction: The number of biosimilars, or similar biotherapeutic products, is expanding rapidly worldwide. A further 12 blockbuster biologicals are set to add to this number by 2020. Agreement about the best practices for the regulation, use, interchangeability and pharmacovigilance of biosimilars is lacking in many countries including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). […]


Current status of biopharmaceuticals in Iran’s pharmaceutical market

Abstract: The clinical importance of biopharmaceuticals for the management of life threatening diseases is increasing but costs have become a major obstacle to the administration of these medicines, especially in resource limited healthcare systems. Introduction of biosimilars as a cost-effective alternative to innovator biopharmaceuticals has attracted the attention of both industry and policymakers. However, due […]


The future of biological therapy: a pathway forward for biosimilars

Author byline as per print journal: Richard O Dolinar, MD; Michael S Reilly Abstract  Biologicals are advanced prescription drugs to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating diseases. In November 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began consultation with patient groups, physicians and industry on how to approve the first copies […]


Pharmacovigilance of biosimilars: challenges and possible solutions

Author byline as per print journal: Thijs J Giezen, PharmD, PhD; Sabine MJM Straus, MD, PhD Abstract:  Post-marketing surveillance is essential to detect, assess and prevent adverse reactions of chemically synthesized small molecule drugs as well as biologicals, as the full safety profile can only be known after they have been placed on the market. Biologicals have […]