Misinformation about interchangeable biosimilars undermines US health policy, physician confidence, and patient health

Author byline as per print journal: Michael S Reilly, Esq; Ralph D McKibbin, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF Abstract: The US biosimilar programme has been highly successful with 53 biosimilars approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for 17 reference products. As in most advanced nations of Europe, all FDA-approved biosimilars may be substituted […]


Challenges in the manufacture, storage, distribution and regulation of traditional and novel vaccines

Author byline as per print journal: Adjunct Associate Professor Sia Chong Hock1, BSc (Pharm), MSc; Adelia Pheh1, BSc (Pharm) (Hon); Vimal Sachdeva2, MSc; Associate Professor Chan Lai Wah1, BSc (Pharm) (Hon), PhD Abstract: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant surge in interest of COVID-19 vaccines in particular, and other […]


Biosimilars markets: US and EU compared

Abstract: Differences between the US and European regulatory processes can lead to differences in the time taken for biosimilar approval. The European Medicines Agency is in some cases quicker to approve biosimilar drugs and Europe has overall more approved biosimilars, whilst the US approved the first biosimilar in 2015. Whatever the market, there are a […]


An evolving role for non-governmental organizations dealing with registration backlogs and rising costs: the example of cancer biosimilars in South Africa

Abstract: Around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries, national regulatory authorities are struggling with registration backlogs and the affordability of medicines. This paper draws on the example of cancer biosimilars in South Africa to illustrate how non-governmental organizations can help regulatory authorities decide which registration applications to prioritize by providing information on clinical […]


Biosimilar regulation and approval in Jordan

Author byline as per print journal: Rana Musa Ali Al-ali “Malkawi”, MSc; Wesal Salem Al Haqaish, BPharm; Hayel Obeidat, MD Abstract: The regulatory oversight of medicinal products in Jordan is the responsibility of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). In 2015, JFDA adopted biosimilar guidelines, which are similar to those used by the European […]


Regulation of copy biologicals in China

Abstract: The first draft guidelines for copy biologicals were introduced in China back in 2014. The Technical Guideline was then updated and finalized in 2015. In this paper, how the Drug Registration Regulation (2007) pathway classifies therapeutic biologicals and the principles and challenges of the copy biologicals guideline are described. Submitted: 3 May 2018; Revised: […]


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 […]


Global policies on pharmacy-mediated substitution of biosimilars: a summary

Abstract: An extensive overview of policies related to pharmacy-mediated substitution of biosimilars across the world was carried out by Larkin et al. in 2017. The details of this are discussed in this commentary. Submitted: 17 November 2017; Revised: 28 November 2017; Accepted: 4 December 2017; Published online first: 15 December 2017 Introduction An extensive overview […]


Pharmacy-mediated substitution of biosimilars – a global survey benchmarking country substitution policies

Introduction/Study objectives: Between March and May 2017, Pfizer conducted an internal global survey of 82 countries examining biosimilar pharmacy-mediated substitution to understand and benchmark the global policy landscape. Methods: Pfizer regulatory and corporate affairs colleagues completed a survey: Are pharmacists in your country able to substitute a biological with a biosimilar without the physician being […]


Roundtable on registries: practical considerations for registries – making them work, London, UK, 26 January 2017

Author byline as per print journal: Stuart Bloom, DM, FRCP; Keith Bodger, MBChB(Honours), MD, FRCP; Fraser Cummings, BMSc(Hons), MBChB, MRCP(UK), DPhil, FRCP; Professor Sarah Garner, BPharm, PhD; Professor Kimme Hyrich, MD, PhD, FRCPC; Clare Jacklin; Professor John G Williams, CBE, FRCP Introduction: Registries collect clinical data to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition […]


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; […]


US FDA proposals for naming of biologicals and labelling of biosimilars

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 […]