- Bone Health
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Respiratory
- Dermatology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Rare Disease
- Rheumatology
European Commission Authorizes Pfizer's Bevacizumab Biosimilar, Zirabev
Pfizer received authorization from the European Commission for its bevacizumab biosimilar, PF-06439535, to be sold under the trade name Zirabev for the treatment of certain advanced cancers: carcinoma of the colon or rectum, breast cancer, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell cancer, and cervical cancer.
Pfizer announced today that it has received final approval from the European Commission for its bevacizumab biosimilar, PF-06439535, to be sold under the trade name Zirabev for the treatment of certain advanced cancers: carcinoma of the colon or rectum, breast cancer, non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell cancer, and cervical cancer.
Bevacizumab is the company’s fifth biosimilar approved in Europe.
“Pfizer is dedicated to increasing access to biosimilars for patients suffering from serious illnesses and helping create a more sustainable healthcare system,” Andreas Penk, MD, regional president of oncology international developed markets, said in a statement. “We are proud that ZIRABEV was approved today as our second oncology biosimilar in Europe. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to biosimilars as we continue to bring high-quality medicines to market that may help generate cost savings for cancer care.”
In December 2018, the company recieve a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The positive opinion was based on a data package that included results from the phase 3 REFLECTIONS B739-03 clinical comparative study that showed the clinical equivalence of Zirabev with the reference bevacizumab in patients with nonsquamous NSCLC. According to Pfizer, as part of the overall REFLECTIONS clinical program, the proposed biosimilar has been studied in approximately 400 individuals.
The EC decision is good for a centralized marketing authorization that will be valid in all 28 EU member states. Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, will follow corresponding decisions based on the EC’s decision.
Pfizer has also filed for approval for the drug from the FDA.
Also approved in Europe is Amgen’s bevacizumab biosimilar, Mvasi, which was granted EC authorization in January 2018. Mvasi is also approved by the FDA, but the drug has not yet launched in either territory.
Health Canada Approves First Omalizumab Biosimilar
December 16th 2024Health Canada has approved Omlyclo, the first omalizumab biosimilar in Canada, for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria, allergic asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, based on a phase 3 study confirming its bioequivalence to the reference product.
A New Chapter: How 2023 Will Shape the US Biosimilar Space for 2024 and Beyond
December 31st 2023On this episode of Not So Different, Cencora's Brian Biehn and Corey Ford take a look back at major policy and regulatory advancements in 2023 and how these changes will alter the space going forward.
Denosumab Biosimilars Earn Positive CHMP Opinion for Bone Loss and Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
November 26th 2024The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion for the denosumab biosimilars SB16 for all indications referencing Prolia and Xgeva.
The Subcutaneous Revolution: Zymfentra and the Future of IBD Care With Dr Andres Yarur
December 17th 2023On this episode of Not So Different, Andres Yarur, MD, a researcher and associate professor of medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, discusses the significance of the FDA approval for Zymfentra, the world's first subcutaneous infliximab product, for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Eye on Pharma: EU Aflibercept Approvals; Biosimilars Canada Campaign; Celltrion Data
November 19th 2024The European Commission grants marketing authorization to 2 aflibercept biosimilars; Biosimilars Canada launches new campaign to provide sustainable solutions to employers; Celltrion shares positive data for 2 biosimilars.
Can Global Policies to Boost Biosimilar Adoption Work in the US?
November 17th 2024On this special episode of Not So Different honoring Global Biosimilars Week, Craig Burton, executive director of the Biosimilars Council, explores how global policies—from incentives to health equity strategies—could boost biosimilar adoption in the US.
