Rheumatology

The new data were collected to fulfill the FDA's requirements to designate adalimumab-fkjp (Hulio) as interchangeable with Humira, enhancing access to affordable biologics for chronic plaque psoriasis treatment.

New research highlights the efficacy and high patient satisfaction of adalimumab biosimilars in treating inflammatory diseases.

Switching from reference infliximab to biosimilars (infliximab-abda and infliximab-dyyb) for rheumatic diseases may lead to treatment delays and a higher risk of disease flares, particularly when the switch is mandated by insurance.

The FDA designates 2 biosimilars as interchangeable, enhancing access to treatments for inflammatory diseases and multiple sclerosis, while 2 other companies expand their biosimilar partnership to include more products.

Despite a dramatic shift toward biosimilar use following British Columbia’s policy, researchers found no rise in hospital visits or complications, underscoring the real-world reliability of etanercept biosimilars in managing inflammatory arthritis.

Starjemza gains FDA approval as the eighth ustekinumab biosimilar, enhancing treatment options for rheumatic and gastrointestinal conditions.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who switched from Enbrel (reference etanercept) to a biosimilar maintained remission, even after their dose was reduced, with no signs of worsening based on clinical scores, ultrasound scans, or lab tests, according to a new study.

A wave of biosimilar approvals, aggressive pricing strategies, and a regulatory sea change are setting the stage for unprecedented momentum in the US biologics market, with 2025 already proving to be a landmark year in reshaping cost, access, and innovation across therapeutic areas.

A plain language summary for patients explains there were no differences in safety outcomes between adalimumab-adbm and the originator in a pooled analysis of the VOLTAIRE clinical trials.

Sandoz's antitrust suit against Amgen, the FDA’s interchangeability designation for Celltrion’s adalimumab biosimilar, and the inclusion of an ustekinumab biosimilar in Costco’s prescription program highlight growing momentum to expand biosimilar access and affordability for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

During Q1 2025, pharmaceutical companies accelerated biosimilar expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships in hopes of boosting patient access to lower-cost treatments in immunology and oncology.

High adherence rates, comparable clinical effectiveness, and cost savings have marked the early adoption of adalimumab biosimilars in the US, particularly in formulary-driven transitions, as shown in 2 retrospective studies presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy annual meeting (AMCP 2025).

Tendering emerged as the most effective strategy for reducing costs and increasing biosimilar uptake in the retail setting, while price-linked discounts and prescribing quotas have shown mixed or uncertain results.

Celltrion and Formycon with Fresenius Kabi launched their respective ustekinumab biosimilars (Steqeyma and Otulfi), joining 4 others that launched earlier this year.

Although more research is needed in pediatric patients, biosimilars could improve treatment access and reduce costs.

Adalimumab biosimilars differ from adalimumab in approved indications, concentration and dosage, and formulation.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who switched from reference adalimumab (Humira) to a biosimilar under a mandatory nonmedical switching policy maintained long-term safety, efficacy, and treatment persistence comparable to those who remained on the originator drug, according to a Canadian study.

Three ustekinumab biosimilars enter the US market, expanding access to more affordable options referencing Stelara (ustekinumab), one of the most profitable drugs in the world.

A 15-year-old girl with ulcerative colitis who developed injection site reactions to the adalimumab reference product was successfully switched to the biosimilar LBAL without recurrence of symptoms, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of switching for medical reasons, likely due to an allergic reaction to an excipient in the originator.

Switching back from infliximab biosimilar SB2 to reference infliximab (Remicade) did not affect clinical disease activity or safety in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a prospective cohort study.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saved $67 million in 2023 through its strong adoption of biosimilars to curb the high costs of biologic therapies to treat chronic disease.

2025 marks a pivotal year for biosimilars with Amgen's Wezlana leading ustekinumab biosimilar launches, potentially driving savings and access, as highlighted by Dracey Poore, MS, of Cardinal Health.

Of the 118 biologics losing exclusivity over the next decade, only 10% have biosimilars in development, meaning a vast majority of biologics have no pipeline, which limits savings potential for the health care system.

January started the year off strong, with several business updates, long-term clinical trial results on multiple biosimilars, and the FDA approval of the third tocilizumab biosimilar.

January 1 marks the launch of the first biosimilar referencing Stelara (ustekinumab) in the US, ushering in a new class of lower-cost medicines for patients with rheumatic and gastrointestinal conditions.

The FDA approved Avtozma, a tocilizumab biosimilar developed by Celltrion, for the treatment of several rheumatic conditions. It is the third biosimilar to reference Actemra (tocilizumab) to be approved for US patients.

SB5, an adalimumab biosimilar approved in the US, is showing to be safe and effective for patients with psoriasis in the long term, according to a study from the UK and Ireland.

Three players in the biosimilar space have already sparked hope for the new year, with each having big business or regulatory announcements regarding new biosimilar products in Europe and Canada.

In 2024, the FDA approved 19 biosimilars across various therapeutic areas, including the first biosimilars for ustekinumab and denosumab, marking significant progress in expanding treatment options and market competition.