The top 5 most-read conference stories of 2023 recapped some of big biosimilar takeaways from this year’s conferences, including insight into how geopolitics will impact the industry, efforts from government agencies, and strategies to increase biosimilar uptake.
The top 5 most-read conference stories of 2023 recapped some of big biosimilar takeaways from this year’s conferences, including insight into how geopolitics will impact the industry, efforts from government agencies, and strategies to increase biosimilar uptake.
Here are the most-read conference stories of 2023.
5. IGBA 2023: Dr Monique Mansoura Highlights the Intersection of Geopolitical Issues, Biopharma
At the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) meeting, Monique Mansoura, executive director at MITRE Corporation, discussed the impact of geopolitical issues, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, impact drug supply shortages. She stressed the crucial role of pharmaceuticals in national security and highlighted a broader global awareness of key technology access. Mansoura noted a heightened sensitivity to ensuring the resiliency and security of critical assets, reflected in legislative and policy shifts.
4. Dr Michael Chiang: How the National Eye Institute Is Building Confidence in Ophthalmology Biosimilars
Michael Chiang, MD, director of the National Eye Institute (NEI), underscores the NEI's role in addressing retinal specialists' hesitancy toward ophthalmology biosimilars. The NEI aims to support research studies on biosimilars' safety, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Chiang emphasized collaboration with community researchers to gather data that addresses ophthalmologists' specific concerns and advances clinical care, fostering trust in biosimilar usage in ophthalmology.
3. Uptake Barriers Will Deter Future Competitors From Investing in Biosimilars, Julie Reed Warns
At the Festival of Biologics, Julie Reed, executive director of the Biosimilars Forum, warned of barriers like pharmacy benefit manager interference and patents potentially discouraging biosimilar investments. Reed highlighted the financial risks, urging streamlined development by reducing preclinical trials. She stressed the need for updated policies as the biosimilar market matures and proposed increased competition to lower prices. Reed expressed concerns about oversaturation, citing insulin biosimilars' pricing strategies. She suggested strategic pricing structures to navigate formulary challenges, emphasizing the importance of swift changes for long-term market sustainability.
2. Favorable Equivalency Studies of Candidate Biosimilar AVT04 and Reference Ustekinumab
At the 2023 American Academy of Dermatology meeting, Alvotech presented posters on their biosimilar AVT04, showing bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence to ustekinumab. The bioequivalence study with 298 participants demonstrated comparable pharmacokinetic parameters, supporting AVT04's safety profile. A therapeutic equivalence study with 581 subjects in a double-blind, 2-arm design showed equivalence in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improvement at week 12 between AVT04 and reference ustekinumab. Safety and immunogenicity profiles were similar in both studies. AVT04's potential as a biosimilar for treating chronic plaque psoriasis was highlighted, with positive outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety.
1. Access 2023: Panelists Weigh In on the Many Factors Influencing Biosimilar Uptake Patterns
At the Access 2023 meeting, IQVIA's Doug Long and Michael Kleinrock presented data estimating $180 billion in US savings over 5 years from biosimilars. Factors influencing adoption, such as manufacturing challenges and payer preferences, were discussed. Kleinrock emphasized biosimilars' role in addressing global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. In a panel discussion, concerns were raised about biosimilar utilization under the Inflation Reduction Act. Michelle Holm highlighted issues with average sales price instability. Brenda Motheral stressed the lack of transparency around rebates hindering employer awareness of biosimilar savings and recommended employer-targeted education on approaching pharmacy benefit managers and payers.
Oncology Biosimilars Cut Costs; Diabetes and Other Diseases Could Follow
May 6th 2025Shreehas P. Tambe, MD, highlighted the significant potential for biosimilars to expand into other disease areas like diabetes, offering crucial cost-saving solutions amid a rising global burden of noncommunicable diseases.
Insights from Festival of Biologics: Dracey Poore Discusses Cardinal Health’s 2024 Biosimilar Report
May 19th 2024The discussion highlights key emerging trends from the Festival of Biologics conference and the annual Cardinal Health Biosimilars Report, including the importance of sustainability in the health care landscape and the challenges and successes in biosimilar adoption and affordability.
FDA's Expanded Access: From Laetrile to Right to Try, Ethical Debates Over Early Drug Access
April 28th 2025Christopher T. Robertson, JD, PhD, reviewed the history and ethical landscape of providing access to drugs before FDA approval, highlighting the crucial role of clinical trials and ethical safeguards at the 2025 Festival of Biologics USA.
What AmerisourceBergen's Report Reveals About Payers, Biosimilar Pricing Trends
May 28th 2023On this episode of Not So Different, Tasmina Hydery and Brian Biehn from AmerisourceBergen discussed results from a recent survey, that were also presented at Asembia 2023, diving into the payer perspective on biosimilars and current pricing trends across the US biosimilar industry.
Unlocking Biosimilar Potential in Specialty Pharmacies With Legislative Support, Formulary Changes
April 24th 2025Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA, BCBBS, emphasized that legislative support and formulary changes are crucial for overcoming unique challenges in specialty pharmacies and driving the growth of biosimilar adoption, which has significant cost saving potential in the next decade.
Decade of Biosimilars Yields $36 Billion in Savings and Strengthens Supply Chain
April 24th 2025Dracey Poore, MS, director of biosimilars and emerging therapies at Cardinal Health, highlighted that biosimilars saved $36 billion over the last decade by improving patient access and the supply chain, but continued education and a robust pipeline are crucial for future growth.