Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, shares his latest citizen's petition to the FDA, calling on the agency to waive clinical efficacy testing in response to the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) efforts towards the same goal.

Affirming that analytical characterization is often sufficient for biosimilar approval, minimizing unnecessary clinical testing, and enhancing FDA-led education to counter stakeholder misconceptions are key recommendations put forth in this opinion piece by Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD.

Monoclonal antibodies lead biosimilar approvals because of their large market size, well-defined regulatory pathways, and technological feasibility, whereas other biologics encounter development challenges but may see increased adoption as regulatory frameworks advance.

Sarfaraz Niazi, PhD, urges the FDA to let the USPharmacopeia (USP) create product release specifications for biosimilars to cut costs, speed development, and enhance accessibility.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, gives his opinion on how the recent IQVIA report “Assessing the Biosimilar Void in the US” could be improved for the future.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, argues that regulatory agencies should eliminate redundant clinical efficacy testing for biosimilars, recognizing them as "biogenerics" since physicochemical and in vitro biological comparisons are sufficient to ensure safety and efficacy.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)’s withdrawal of its proposed terminal disclaimer rule is seen as a setback for biosimilar developers, as it preserves patent prosecution practices that favor originator companies and increases costs for biosimilar competition, according to Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD.

The article by Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, argues that the FDA’s classification of future copies of messenger RNA (mRNA) products could be reconsidered, suggesting they might be eligible for new drug applications (NDAs) or a hybrid biosimilar category due to their unique characteristics and increasing prevalence.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, provides an overview of the current biosimilar education material offered by the FDA, emphasizing that manufacturer-developed materials aren't needed.

The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) of 2010 initially posed significant barriers to biosimilar development, but regulatory reforms over the years have drastically reduced costs and approval times, with further advancements expected by 2025 that will foster competition and drive down prices.

The article by Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, critiques the irrationality surrounding biosimilars, suggesting that regulatory changes and cost reductions in manufacturing could make biosimilars as affordable as generic drugs.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, explains the FDA's new guidelines on post-approval changes for biosimilars, emphasizing the processes for reporting modifications, comparability assessments, and the potential for biosimilars to introduce new indications or formulation changes, which could significantly impact their market competitiveness and accessibility.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, urges stakeholders to engage with the FDA on its Reddit forum—where a representative will answer complex biosimilar questions—encourages clearing misconceptions, and advocates for updates to the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act guidelines.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, argues that the S-150 bill, also known as the "Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act of 2023," aims to reduce drug prices by addressing anti-competitive practices, such as patent thickets and product hopping, which hinder the entry of cheaper biosimilars and generics into the market.

The FDA's new policy on glycan profiling of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) receives praise and recommendations from Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, discusses the challenges with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that plague the biosimilar industry and new legislation that attempts to reform their practices and encourage biosimilar adoption.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, champions the FDA's updated guidance to remove switching study data for companies seeking to obtain an interchangeability designation for their biosimilars.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, makes suggestions for what arguments will help convince the FDA to waive clinical efficacy testing requirements for biosimilar approvals.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, analyzes updates to the FDA's Biosimilars Action Plan, as well as the agency's increased efforts to boost biosimilar adoption and education.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, congratulates the FDA on approving the 50th biosimilar, noting that there's more work to be done to expand the market.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, explains FDA's new guidance on promotional labeling as well as challenges and insights into how this new guidance will impact biosimilars.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, outlines the current state of interchangeable biosimilars in the US and policy changes needed to clear up misconceptions surrounding the meaning behind interchangeability designations.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, outlines how President Joe Biden's new budget for 2025 could impact biosimilars, including provisions to clear up confusion surrounding interchangeable products.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, explains how the new international recognition procedure under the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) could expand biosimilar access within the United Kingdom, in his latest column.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, takes a look at the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) announcement that it will investigate whether comparative efficacy tests should be needed for a biosimilar to receive regulatory approval.

Similar to his piece on biosimilar whiskeys, Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, takes on biosimilar steaks, which could be made using bioreactors to make affordable beef without harming animals, in his latest column.

In his latest column, Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, highlights challenges in biosimilar development, emphasizing the crucial role of US Pharmacopeia (USP) and advocating for collaboration and standardized guidelines to expedite cost-effective development without compromising safety or efficacy.