Biosimilars and Biobetters

Samsung Biologics has signed an agreement with Biogen to acquire Biogen’s 50% stake in Samsung Bioepis, a joint venture formed by the two companies, for up to $2.3 billion.

The Democratic legislative proposal to authorize price negotiations on costly medicines covered by Medicare has drawn opposition from brand pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

The biopharmaceutical landscape of India is transforming in terms of regulatory policies, product development, and affordability.

The evolution of regulatory guidelines for biosimilars alongside improvements in knowledge and understanding provide a platform for growth in the European market.

Establishing bioassay studies for biosimilar development is important for supporting regulatory filings.

Biosimilar approvals and the advance of biosimilar testing and production may lead to greater access to alternative therapies.

The agency approved Byooviz (ranibizumab-nuna), a biosimilar to Lucentis (ranibizumab injection), for the treatment of several eye diseases.

Will FDA’s approval of Semglee create a surge in the development of interchangeable biosimilars?

Correct organization and appropriate methods for demonstrating biosimilar comparability are important for supporting regulatory filings.

The US Supreme Court has denied a petition by Sandoz, a Novartis company, to review a July 2020 ruling concerning its biosimilar Erelzi (etanercept-szzs), blocking the company from launching the product.

Sandoz will soon begin enrolling patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in a Phase III study with its proposed biosimilar to aflibercept.

Updates to user fee programs that fund FDA operations are being finalized by industry stakeholders for approval by Congress.

The EC has granted marketing authorization to Celltrion Healthcare for its adalimumab biosimilar, Yuflyma (CT-P17).

Celltrion Healthcare has announced that EMA's CHMP has issued a positive opinion for the marketing authorization of CT-P17—an adalimumab biosimilar.

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is studying factors that influence the development of generic versions of brand-name drugs.

Advances in preclinical development play a crucial role in reducing cost for developing biosimilars.

The company has launched its biosimilar rituximab, Ritucad, for the Indian market.

The committee has given a positive opinion on the biosimilar bevacizumab for several cancer indications.

The companies received approval from the EC for Zercepac (HLX02), a biosimilar referencing Roche’s originator biologic, Herceptin (trastuzumab).

Appropriate analytical assays are needed to determine and ensure that biosimilar critical quality parameters are on track.

FDA/FTC collaborate to end false and misleading statements and discuss the future of biosimilars at March 2020 public workshop on a competitive marketplace for biosimilars.

Industry opportunities are increasing for biosimilars, but companies should pay close attention to delivery device design to facilitate success.

Demonstrating interchangeability can ensure biosimilar substitutability at the pharmacy level.

FDA is encouraging alternative insulins and challenging anticompetitive practices.

As the date for transitioning the approval of biologic drug to a new pathway comes closer, FDA publishes a final rule and answers questions on the pathway changes.