Biosimilar pharmaceuticals

Why biosimilars should be interchangeable with biologics

Research suggests no substantive outcome differences between the use of originator biologics and their biosimilar counterparts Source: Shutterstock.com There is sufficient evidence to prove that biosimilars are equivalent to biologics and should be used i…

Biosimilars and inflammatory bowel disease: a switch programme using CT-P13

How to plan and manage switching patients from a biologic to a biosimilar in inflammatory bowel disease, using the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s experience as an example.…

TNF-α inhibitor biosimilars as effective as branded counterparts, review finds

Biosimilar tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors have similar efficacy and safety profiles to their branded equivalents, the authors of a systematic review conclude. …

Biosimilars driving down price of biological drugs

The introduction of biosimilar medicines is driving down the price of biological drugs in the European Economic Area (EEA), with the highest price reductions at 50−70%, according to a report by IMS Health.…

Biosimilar medicines in rheumatology

The long-term safety of biosimilar medicines is unknown, but while their use in rheumatology practice is supported, switching patients currently responding and tolerating the reference product is not.…

PCSK9 inhibitors herald new era of cholesterol lowering

The launch of the first cholesterol-lowering drug since statins could herald a whole new approach to preventing heart disease.…

Appoint pharmacy champions to lead introduction of biosimilars, says NICE

NHS trusts should appoint pharmacy and clinical champions to lead on biosimilar medicines, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.…

Australia moves to allow biosimilar substitution

The independent body that advises the Australian government about which drugs it should subsidise has taken steps towards allowing pharmacists and clinicians to substitute a biosimilar product for a biologic therapy.…

Debate over naming of biosimilars intensifies ahead of WHO meeting

Drug regulators have noticed a proliferating problem. Around the world various regional regulators are applying different naming conventions for biosimilars.…

Rheumatologists want to see system in place to track efficacy and safety of biosimilar products

The British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) wants patients to register with its evidence database to track the efficacy and long-term safety of new biosimilar products.…