Pfizer reported strong sales for its biosimilars portfolio, but these were eclipsed by the massive success of the company's mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Pfizer reported second-quarter 2021 biosimilar revenues up 88% from the comparable second quarter of 2020. These were dwarfed, however, by sales of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
Biosimilar sales for the second quarter of 2021 were $559 million globally, primarily fueled by the launches of bevacizumab (Zirabev), rituximab (Ruxience), and trastuzumab (Trazimera) biosimilars.
The company also reported ongoing growth in sales of its epoetin alfa biosimilar (Retacrit) in the United States. Retacrit was launched in 2018 and remains the only epoetin biosimilar in the United States.
Pfizer also reported a 19% decline in global sales of its etanercept originator product (Enbrel) owing to biosimilar competition in Europe and Japan. Enbrel does not yet face biosimilar competition in the United States.
Although growth in biosimilar sales at Pfizer has been robust over the past year, the company’s core business focus is now commercialization of its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) and regulatory interaction globally to broaden access and flexibility for use of this product.
Pfizer said it anticipates 2021 revenues of $33.5 billion for BNT162b2, which reflects 2.1 billion doses that Pfizer had contracted to deliver as of mid-July 2021. The company reported overall second quarter 2021 revenues of $19 billion, up 86% from the comparable 2020 quarter.
Without the COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer’s revenues would have climbed just 10% overall, to $11.1 billion, the company said.
For a report on the company’s first quarter 2021 revenues, click here.
Biosimilars Development Roundup for October 2024—Podcast Edition
November 3rd 2024On this episode of Not So Different, we discuss the GRx+Biosims conference, which included discussions on data transparency, artificial intelligence (AI), and collaboration to enhance the global supply chain for biosimilars and generic drugs, as well as the evolving requirements for biosimilar devices.
Denosumab Biosimilars Earn Positive CHMP Opinion for Bone Loss and Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
November 26th 2024The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion for the denosumab biosimilars SB16 for all indications referencing Prolia and Xgeva.
Biosimilars Oncology Roundup for June 2024—Podcast Edition
July 7th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, we review biosimilar news coming out of June, with clinical trial results from conferences and a study showcasing how to overcome economic and noneconomic barriers to oncology biosimilars.
Achieving PFS in Advanced Gastric Cancer With HLX02 Biosimilar, Chemotherapy
November 23rd 2024In a phase 2 study, the addition of HLX22, an anti-HER2 antibody, to HLX02 biosimilar and XELOX (oxaliplatin and capecitabine) chemotherapy extended progression-free survival (PFS) in untreated HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer patients.
Boosting Health Care Sustainability: The Role of Biosimilars in Latin America
November 21st 2024Biosimilars could improve access to biologic treatments and health care sustainability in Latin America, but their adoption is hindered by misconceptions, regulatory gaps, and weak pharmacovigilance, requiring targeted education and stronger regulations.