Clinical developments, policy news, and pharmaceutical business updates ranked among our most popular conference stories of 2019.
Clinical developments, policy news, and pharmaceutical business updates ranked among our most popular conference stories of 2019.
5. Amgen's Eculizumab Biosimilar, ABP 959, Shows PK, PD Bioequivalence to Soliris
Amgen is developing ABP 959, a biosimilar of eculizumab (Alexion’s Soliris), and at the 24th Congress of the European Hematology Association, held from June 13-16, 2019, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, researchers reported on findings from a phase 1 trial of the proposed product. Alexion’s Soliris, a complement inhibitor, is among the highest-cost biologics on the market, carrying a list price of approximately $500,000 per patient per year. Eculizumab is used to treat generalized myasthenia gravis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, all rare and ultra-rare diseases.
4. What's New in Medicare Part B for Biosimilars
The current administration in Washington, DC, is one of the most active when it comes to policy and regulation that affects biosimilars, said a presenter who recapped recent changes for the attendees at the 14th Biosimilars Summit, held January 22-23, 2019, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Molly Burich, MS, of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, recapped 2018 changes to reimbursement for biosimilars by CMS in Part B. While not every rule or regulation is specific to biosimilars, almost everything the government does has an impact, she said.
3. At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Coherus Outlines "Branded Approach" to Biosimilars
During the second day of the 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, held January 7-10, 2019, in San Francisco, California, Dennis M. Lanfear, president and CEO of Coherus BioSciences, presented an overview of what he called his company’s “branded approach” to selling its then newly launched biosimilar pegfilgrastim, Udenyca.
2. Looking to the Future, Biosimilar Pioneer Celltrion Is Banking on Biobetters
Improvements in biosimilars—ones that may give them an advantage, such as lower immunogenicity or a new route of administration—may be the key to unlocking a better patient experience, according to Celltrion. In fact, pursuing such so-called “biobetters” may prove to be more important for the drug maker than pursuing interchangeable biosimilars, according to Sang Joon Lee, PhD, senior executive vice president of Celltrion, who gave a keynote speech at the FT Global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Conference in London, United Kingdom, on November 12, 2019.
During the first day of the 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, held January 7-10, 2019, in San Francisco, California, 2 major biosimilar developers gave a look at their strategies for the year and beyond. Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, DVM, PhD, and president of worldwide research and development Mikael Dolsten, MD, PhD, discussed Pfizer’s outlook for the coming years. Kare Schultz, CEO of Teva, discussed how his company was on track with its approximately $3.2 billion debt restructuring plan.
Data Show Promise for Adalimumab Biosimilars to Deliver on Safety, Cost Savings
May 16th 2024Two posters from the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy’s annual meeting provided hope that despite low uptake so far, adalimumab biosimilars can deliver on the promise of comparable safety and efficacy with the originator in multiple disease states, as well as cost savings.
Biosimilars Policy Roundup for April 2024—Podcast Edition
May 5th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, The Center for Biosimilars® glances back at all the major biosimilar policy updates from April, including 2 FDA approvals, 1 European approval, and several insights into possible policy changes from the Festival of Biologics USA conference.
Challenges and Guidance in Biosimilar Assessment: An ISPOR Report on HTA Agency Approaches
May 14th 2024The ISPOR report highlights the urgent need for clear guidance on when and how to conduct health technology assessments (HTAs) for biosimilars, emphasizing the challenges faced by HTA agencies and the evolving role of HTAs in evaluating biosimilar value.
Patients With IBD Experience Nocebo Effect Post Mandatory Switch to Biosimilar
May 11th 2024In Canada, a study on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) switching to infliximab or adalimumab biosimilars found no change in clinical remission or antidrug antibodies after 24 weeks, but 13% experienced the nocebo effect, leading to one-fifth discontinuing therapy.
Partnering for Biosimilar Security: India's Role in US Health Care Savings, Supply Chain Stability
May 9th 2024As Indian pharmaceutical companies supplied 4 of every 10 prescriptions in the US in 2022, generating $1.3 trillion in health care savings, a new IQVIA report highlights concerns about supply chain risks and advocates for partnerships to bolster biosimilar security and overall supply chain resilience.