By expanding educational initiatives to clarify biosimilar safety, efficacy, and interchangeability, stakeholders can foster trust, improve access, and ensure that biosimilars are widely accepted as high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to originator biologics.

In October, the GRx+Biosims conference included discussions on data transparency, artificial intelligence, and collaboration to enhance the global supply chain for biosimilars and generic drugs, as well as the evolving requirements for biosimilar devices.

An IQVIA report highlights challenges to the sustainability of infused biosimilars in the US, citing rebate walls and reimbursement policies, and proposes key solutions to enhance adoption and benefits for all stakeholders.

Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA, BCBBS, of Sutter Health notes that although initial adoption of adalimumab biosimilars remained low in 2023, competitive pricing pressures have already benefited patients and the health care sector.

Panelists emphasized the need for transparency and policy reforms in pharmacy benefit management (PBM) to improve accessibility, affordability, and fair competition for adalimumab biosimilars.

A study of the Veterans Health Administration detailed their experience with infliximab biosimilars in a population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were naive to infliximab.

At the GRx+Biosims conference, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, stressed the urgent need for data transparency in the global supply chain and the role of collaboration and artificial intelligence in ensuring the resilience of biosimilar and generic drug production.

At the GRx+Biosims 2024 conference, a panel of industry experts and FDA officials discussed evolving device requirements for biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars, highlighting new approaches to comparative use human factors studies, regulatory challenges, and alternative validation methods.

At the GRx+Biosims conference, a fireside chat highlighted the need to streamline biosimilar development and strengthen industry collaboration, with Sarah Yim, MD, of the FDA, emphasizing education's key role in building trust and adoption.

At the 2024 GRx+Biosims conference, industry leaders and regulatory experts underscored the urgency of unifying global standards and simplifying the biosimilar development process, sharing insights on recent advancements and the necessity for greater collaboration between manufacturers and regulatory agencies.

At the GRx+Biosims 2024 conference, panelists explored challenges and progress in biosimilar interchangeability regulations in the US, discussing the FDA's new draft guidance, the removal of switching study requirements, and the need for more education to reduce misinformation and improve biosimilar uptake.

Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, provides an overview of the current biosimilar education material offered by the FDA, emphasizing that manufacturer-developed materials aren't needed.

A phase 3, 28-week comparative clinical trial in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis confirmed similarity of the proposed ustekinumab biosimilar SB17 (Samsung Bioepis) to the reference product (Stelara) in efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.

Biosimilars are safe, effective, and well-tolerated for psoriasis treatment, providing significant cost savings for the Veterans Health Administration, which saved over $67 million in 2023, while highlighting ongoing provider concerns regarding their use.

The European Union's (EU) approach to biosimilars has revolutionized the biopharmaceutical market by driving innovation, lowering costs, and increasing adoption; however, there remains a need for more education, real-world evidence, and efforts to address challenges to enhance patient access and affordability.

Regeneron appeals legal decision after judge refuses to block an aflibercept biosimilar; Prime Therapeutics, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), becomes the latest to offer biosimilars referencing Humira (adalimumab) at a low cost; the FDA and European Medicines Agency accept a denosumab biosimilar candidate for review.

Blue Shield of California will offer an adalimumab biosimilar at a price that is 75% less than the reference product Humira for the monthly dose.

During a recent webinar, experts discussed critical regulatory aspects for generics and biosimilars, highlighting strategies for navigating complex approval processes, the importance of local market understanding, and the role of technology in enhancing submission efficiency.

A UK cohort study used drug concentration samples from rheumatoid arthritis patients starting the adalimumab biosimilar Amgevita and the etanercept biosimilar Benepali to simulate drug levels under standard and alternate dosing schedules, suggesting that personalized dosing could reduce costs while potentially increasing efficacy.

Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf) is the fifth ustekinumab biosimilar referencing Stelara to receive regulatory approval in the US.

Adalimumab biosimilars have seen a significant increase in market share, from 2% in early 2024 to 22%, as payers and pharmacy benefit managers begin to prioritize these biosimilars over the reference product, Humira.

A report from Sandoz emphasizes the need for collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate drug shortages impacting over 90% of hospital systems in the US, recommending policy changes and actions to address the ongoing issue, which has caused treatment delays and increased costs.

Transformative cell and gene therapies (CGT) offer promising treatments for serious conditions, but high costs and complex biologics limit competition, requiring policies that support the development of biosimilars to enhance affordability and patient access.

A study found that switching from rituximab to biosimilar CT-P10 is safe and effective for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) of 2010 initially posed significant barriers to biosimilar development, but regulatory reforms over the years have drastically reduced costs and approval times, with further advancements expected by 2025 that will foster competition and drive down prices.