Australian drug developer NeuClone has disclosed that it is currently developing a proposed pertuzumab biosimilar referencing Perjeta.
Australian drug developer NeuClone has disclosed that it is currently developing a proposed pertuzumab biosimilar referencing Perjeta.
Pertuzumab is an IgG1 humanized monoclonal antibody that targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and it is intended to be used in combination with trastuzumab (a biosimilar of which NeuClone is also developing) for the treatment of HER2-positive early or metastatic breast cancer.
The pertuzumab product is being developed in partnership with the Serum Institute of India as part of a joint development project that includes 10 biosimilar products intended for the global marketplace.
“We believe biosimilar combination therapies referencing Perjeta and Herceptin represent an exciting development in the future of biosimilars,” said Noelle Sunstrom, PhD, CEO of NeuClone, in a statement. “Current combination treatments of [monoclonal antibodies], while often clinically superior to monotherapies, are extremely expensive when available. We are determined to dramatically expand the number of patients able to receive these life-changing combination therapies by offering lower-priced biosimilars of both [monoclonal antibodies].”
The eventual approval of a pertuzumab biosimilar has the potential to greatly improve access to treatment for many patients for whom the high-cost brand-name Perjeta is out of reach. In August 2018, the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the nation’s health technology assessment body, rejected pertuzumab for routine use on the basis of cost, even for patients whose breast cancer had a high risk of recurrence. According to NICE, biosimilar trastuzumab, which is already available in the United Kingdom, would reduce the overall cost of treatment, but even with those deep discounts, using the brand-name pertuzumab was unlikely to be cost-effective for use under the National Health Service.
Among the other biosimilars being developed by NeuClone are proposed ustekinumab (Stelara), palivizumab (Synagis), denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva), and adalimumab (Humira) products.
Biosimilars in America: Overcoming Barriers and Maximizing Impact
July 21st 2024Join us as we explore the complexities of the US biosimilars market, discussing legislative influences, payer and provider adoption factors, and strategies to overcome industry challenges with expert insights from Kyle Noonan, PharmD, MS, value & access strategy manager at Cencora.
AAM Report: Despite Massive Savings, Patient OOP Costs on Biosimilars, Generics Remain High, Part 2
September 24th 2024Part 2 of our series diving into the Association for Accessible Medicines' (AAM) latest report discusses that while generics and biosimilars saved $445 billion in 2023, their potential is hindered by high patient costs, drug shortages, and ineffective policies, underscoring the need for reforms to fully realize their benefits.
Exploring the Biosimilar Horizon: Julie Reed's Predictions for 2024
February 18th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, Julie Reed, executive director of the Biosimilars Forum, returns to discuss her predictions for the biosimilar industry for 2024 and beyond as well as the impact that the Forum's 4 new members will have on the organization's mission.
AAM Report: Generics and Biosimilars Savings Reach $445 Billion in 2023, Part 1
September 18th 2024Savings from generic and biosimilar drugs totaled $445 billion in 2023, showing promise for the growth of both markets and highlighting the success of expansion policies for these products, according to a new report from the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM).