Immunology

An analysis of 25 studies found adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept biosimilars were considered just as safe, effective, and tolerable compared with their originators in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers of a retrospective cohort study found that a rituximab biosimilar, BCD-020, was safe and effective in pediatric patients with lupus nephritis.

Coherus Biosciences and AbbVie agree to resolve a dispute regarding Coherus’ partnership with the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and an adalimumab biosimilar, and Celltrion and Bio-Thera Solutions expand their respective partnerships to include more biosimilar products.

SmithRx becomes the first pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to announce it will cover Yusimry, 1 of 9 FDA-approved adalimumab biosimilars; Celltrion Healthcare receives a thumbs-up from the FDA to test a biosimilar for Ocrevus; Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals settle with Johnson & Johnson over their biosimilar referencing Stelara.

Alvotech and Advanz Pharma extend their partnership to commercialize 5 biosimilar candidates across Europe.

The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, an online pharmacy dedicated to increasing access to lower-cost prescriptions, is partnering with Coherus Biosciences to distribute Yusimry, a biosimilar referencing Humira. It’s the first time the pharmacy has added a biosimilar to its list of drugs.

Over the course of May, the immunology biosimilar space bloomed, with a European approval, a delay for ustekinumab biosimilars, more clinical trial updates, and insights into the industry from multiple immunology experts.

Amgen has settled with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) over the former’s ustekinumab biosimilar referencing Stelara, delaying the projected launch of the candidate from late 2023 to January 2025.

Celltrion Healthcare announced that the FDA has approved Yuflyma (adalimumab-aaty) as the ninth biosimilar referencing Humira (adalimumab).

As Celltrion Healthcare announces the launch of the biobetter version of Remsima (Remsima SC) in Brazil, the company shared the phase 3 plan for its ocrelizumab biosimilar to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).

As Sandoz and Just-Evotec Biologics announce a new partnership, Celltrion secures tender wins in Italy and Belgium, and Alvotech begins testing its golimumab biosimilar in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

In light of 2 blockbuster originators, namely Humira (adalimumab) and Stelara (ustekinumab), losing market exclusivity in 2023, 3 doctors penned supplement in The American Journal of Managed Care®. On this episode, Vibeke Strand, MD, one of the co-authors, explored how health systems can take charge and boost biosimilar adoption.

A phase 1 clinical trial in China comparing the tocilizumab biosimilar candidate LZM008 to the reference product (Actemra) found pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters within the bioequivalence margins and similar immunogenicity and safety in healthy participants.

In the first edition of Samsung Bioepis’ Biosimilar Market Report, the company outlined the current state of the US biosimilars market and how increasing adoption has had an impact on pricing changes for biosimilars and their reference products.

Colby Evans, MD, a dermatologist and co-author of an American Journal of Managed Care® supplement “Biosimilars for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: 2022 Update" shares the managed care perspective on using biosimilars to treat inflammatory conditions.

A recent systematic review looked at the impact of different prices for infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease and the willingness-to-pay threshold around the world.

A retrospective study in Scotland found that multiple successive changes from originator infliximab to biosimilars seem to be safe and effective in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irrespective of the number of switches.

In a complete response letter (CRL) for Alvotech, the FDA cited “deficiencies” in the company’s manufacturing facility during a reinspection, further delaying the approval for the ninth adalimumab biosimilar until potentially June 2023.

A retrospective real-world study assessing patient outcomes related to switching from reference rituximab (Rituxan) to a biosimilar version (Truxima) found that transitioning between the products was safe for patients and did not result in a change in adverse events.

The European Union gained another high-concentration adalimumab biosimilar with the approval of Sandoz’ Hyrimoz HCF and the FDA accepted a biologics license application for a trastuzumab biosimilar (HLX02).

Yukon, 1 of 3 Canadian territories, announced that it will implement a biosimilars switching policy, following Newfoundland and Labrador’s announcement to move forward with a similar policy earlier this week.

Posters presented by Alvotech at 2023 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting showcased proven bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence candidate biosimilar AVT04 and reference ustekinumab (Stelara).