Skylar Jeremias

Here is a summary of our coverage from EHA25 Virtual, the annual meeting for the European Hematology Association (EHA).

In response to pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a panel of experts called for big changes; attention to detail is key to making sure the outcomes are successful.

Following in the footsteps of British Columbia, other Canadian provinces are working to implement their own biosimilars initiatives that would switch patients from some of the most costly reference biologics to biosimilar counterparts.

In search of effective treatments for patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), investigators will test an infliximab biosimilar (Remsima, CT-P13). They believe it may help to control cytokine release syndrome, which is associated with COVID-19.

Although biosimilar uptake has been slow in the United States, the current administration has enacted several policies to help speed up the process, according to Michael Kolodziej, MD, who presented at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2020 Virtual Conference.

As the United States struggles to increase biosimilar uptake, a researcher believes that establishing a shared savings model for Medicare Part B drugs could provide valuable insight into how changing reimbursement patterns could increase utilization.

Canada Health has approved the launch of Sandoz' pegfilgrastim and rituximab biosimilars.

Xbrane Biopharma said it needs a new lab and headquarters because of rapid growth and ambitious plans for biosimilar development.

Mylan and Lupin have received market authorization for their etanercept biosimilar (Nepexto, YLB113) in Europe for all indications of the reference product.

Here is a summary of our coverage from ASCO20 Virtual, the annual meeting for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Clinical trials leading up to biosimilar approval may not reveal the full safety and efficacy profile of biosimilars vs reference products, and postmarketing studies may be essential to elucidate any differences, investigators said.

Although the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to hamper the pharmaceutical industry, it hasn’t stopped companies from continuing to make deals, seek approvals, and conclude clinical trials.

Switching patients with cancer to biosimilar pegfilgrastim for prophylaxis treatment of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia could generate significant savings for adjuvant treatment, investigators found in studies presented at ASCO20 Virtual, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

When used as a primary prophylaxis, biosimilar filgrastim (Zarxio) was found to be cost-effective when used to treat patients with nonmetastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a study presented at ASCO20 Virtual, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Cancer drug prices are rising in the United States and Europe, but European regulators negotiate drug prices, and the results are seen in pricing trends, investigators said in a presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Abstracts presented at ASCO20 Virtual, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, revealed important data on physician prescribing of biosimilars and cost savings in the oncology space.

Despite the United States’ slow start in biosimilar uptake, history shows that things can change, according to Michael Kolodziej, MD, who presented at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2020 Virtual Conference.

CMS announced that its Part D Senior Savings Model designed to cut insulin costs for struggling Medicare beneficiaries is attracting broad insurer participation, indicating high potential for success.

Swedish researchers analyzing more than 10 years of data found that Omnitrope (biosimilar recombinant human growth hormone) is safe and effective in treating adult and pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiencies.

Daewon Pharmaceutical has launched Terrosa, a teriparatide biosimilar, on the Republic of Korea market, after signing a domestic sales agreement with Richter-Helm Biotec. The drug is intended for the treatment of osteoporosis.

After completing a 24-week phase 3 trial, Samsung Bioepis said its biosimilar ranibizumab (SB11) has demonstrated clinical equivalence to reference Lucentis for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Real world evidence (RWE) was cited differently depending on a number of criteria, leaving the door open to future research on how RWE influences payer decision making for specialty drug plans, said presenting author, Ari Panzer, at the Virtual ISPOR 2020, the annual meeting of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).

Harmonized efforts across global borders and among stakeholders are needed to generate and build acceptance of real world evidence (RWE) to actively aid in health care decision making, panelists said at Virtual ISPOR 2020, the annual meeting of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research.

Pharmacy organizations such as the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) are advocating for structural changes to health care based on lessons learned from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Although India is far ahead of other countries in terms of biosimilar approvals, its regulatory structure may hinder efforts for international sales.

In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, pharmacies have implemented new strategies to ensure their patients continue to receive care, especially for those who have lost their insurance or have underlying conditions.

India entered the biosimilar market early and has nearly 100 approved biosimilars, but experts say its regulatory system is not considered world-class, which may hinder international marketing of these products.

German biopharmaceutical company Formycon has postponed its annual meeting due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Coherus Biosciences, of Redwood City, California, sees continued profitability, thanks largely to sales of its pegfilgrastim biosimilar, Udenyca, launched in January 2019.

Molly Burich, head of public policy for Boehringer Ingelheim, a global drugmaker, discusses hopeful signs that the biosimilar market in the United States is improving.