The Top 5 Most-Read Conference Stories of 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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