Skylar Jeremias

A Chinese randomized study in healthy participants found comparable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety profiles between LY01011, a denosumab biosimilar, and its originator (Xgeva).

On this episode, we discuss the biggest news to come out of October 2023, including 3 regulatory approvals, 2 complete response letters, and new data and industry insights that have the potential to impact the entire US biosimilar industry.

Here are the top 5 biosimilar articles for the week of October 30, 2023.

An international survey found that providers agree that use of biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is safe and effective in both patients who are treatment-naïve and those who are already being treated with a reference agent.

The FDA approved Amgen’s Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) as the first biosimilar to reference Stelara (ustekinumab). The biosimilar was also approved with an interchangeability designation.

Between 3 regulatory approvals, 2 complete response letters, and new data and industry insights, October brought a number of business updates that have the potential to impact the entire US biosimilar industry.

A recent study found that a pegfilgrastim biosimilar was effective against chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and had comparable safety and efficacy profiles compared with the originator (Neulasta) in patients with breast cancer.

Stephen Hanauer, MD, professor of medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, reflects on data concerning the potential for adalimumab biosimilars to gain significant market share.

A poster from AMCP Nexus quantifies trends in biosimilar coverage within Tufts Medical Center, finding that payer coverage of these products has increased but individual preferences among payers still vary.

Here are the top 5 biosimilar articles for the week of October 23, 2023.

Panelists at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Nexus meeting chronicled the current state of the US biosimilar market, including current policies impacting the market, recent regulatory decisions, and the developing arguments around requirements for clinical efficacy studies.

As Celltrion releases new data on its subcutaneous infliximab product in gastroenterology conditions, Samsung Bioepis secures an interchangeability designation for Byooviz, making it the second ranibizumab biosimilar to be deemed interchangeable with the reference product.

Samsung Bioepis’ most recent biosimilar market report identified inconsistent medical guidelines, challenges with access and rebates, and acute vs chronic treatment duration as major factors influencing biosimilar uptake in the United States.

The FDA approved Celltrion’s Zymfentra (infliximab-dyyb), a novel drug that allows for subcutaneous administration of inflximab.

Stephen Hanauer, MD, professor of medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, discusses why providers need to be wary when deciding whether patients with Crohn disease should switch from Humira (reference adalimumab) to an adalimumab biosimilar.

Here are the top 5 biosimilar articles for the week of October 16, 2023.

Alvotech received a complete response letter (CRL) for its ustekinumab biosimilar; Formycon’s Cimerli, a ranibizumab biosimilar, achieved 25% market share in the United States; and the FDA awarded a researach grant to the Biologics & Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium (BBCIC).

Stephen Hanauer, MD, professor of medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, shares why his study comparing the safety and efficacy of Cyltezo, an adalimumab biosimilar, with the originator (Humira) matters for patients with gastroenertology conditions.

Prince Edward Island became the eleventh jurisdiction in Canada to implement a biosimilar transition policy, in which patients who are currently taking select reference agents will transition to biosimilar versions.

An international comparative analysis found that the level of biosimilar market sustainability differs between countries, largely due to variances in biosimilar policies and years of experience managing a biosimilar market.

Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) launches an unbranded version of its adalimumab biosimilar; Alvotech and Kashiv Biosciences partner for an omalizumab biosimilar candidate; the FDA issues a complete response letter (CRL) for Biocon’s insulin aspart biosimilar.

At EURETINA 2023, Samsung Bioepis shared positive comparative efficacy data on its aflibercept biosimilar candidate, demonstrating that the product is as safe and effective as the originator (Eylea).

Stephen Hanauer, MD, professor of medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, explained the initial experience gastroenterologists have had with anti–tumor necrosis factor biosimilars and how new adalimumab biosimilars will impact the space.

Pfizer’s Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb) became the second biosimilar referencing Humira (adalimumab) to receive an interchangeable designation. The new label is intended to expand patient access to biosimilars.

Tofidence, a tocilizumab biosimilar developed by Biogen, will be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

A recent webinar featured an in-depth discussion on the impacts that updated guidelines, a reduction in clinical efficacy testing, and biomarker analyses can have on the efficiency of biosimilar development.

September was graced with several regulatory updates from around the world, including some European and Japanese approvals, as well as the FDA’s 2-day workshop on the current science behind clinical efficacy testing for biosimilars and streamlining biosimilar development.

With the European Commission's (EC) approval of Tyruko, Europe receives its first natalizumab biosimilar and first biosimilar to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), while Coherus Biosciences received a complete response letter (CRL) for its biosimilar for Neulasta Onpro.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who underwent a switch from reference infliximab to a biosimilar and then back to the originator were more likely to discontinue their treatment than patients who underwent a single switch from the originator to a biosimilar.

Iceland-based Alvotech announced the approval of its ustekinumab biosimilar referencing Stelara in Japan for autoimmune conditions. The company also released an update on the US filing for its adalimumab biosimilar.