States Take the Lead in Advancing US Biopharma Industry Development
June 15th 2017States have taken the lead in advancing strategic policies and programs to attract, retain, and grow an innovative biopharmaceutical presence in the United States, according to a new report conducted for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which represents leading US biopharmaceutical research companies.
Legal Experts Grapple With Implications of Sandoz v Amgen at the Summit on Biosimilars
June 15th 2017News of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in the case of Sandoz v Amgen broke during the Monday session of the 8th Annual Summit on Biosimilars, a meeting of legal and pharmaceutical industry professionals convened in New York City. In a previously scheduled—and swiftly updated—discussion of the case, a panel of attorneys grappled with the ruling and its implications for the industry.
BI Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Its Biosimilar Adalimumab
June 15th 2017On Wednesday, Boehringer Ingelheim announced results from a phase 3 trial of its adalimumab biosimilar candidate, BI 695501. The study’s results showed that BI 695501 and AbbVie’s branded adalimumab, Humira, have similar clinical efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Two New RA Switching Studies Show Biosimilars Safe, Efficacious
June 13th 2017Two new reports of clinical switching studies in which patients undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were switched to a biosimilar version of the respective drugs provide some reassurance about the safety and efficacy of biosimilar products for infliximab (Remicade).
ICER Report Recommends Patient Access to Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis
June 13th 2017The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has issued a report recommending that dupilumab (Dupixent) offers good long-term value and important clinical benefit for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.
SCOTUS Reverses Federal Circuit Court Decision in Sandoz v Amgen on 180-Day Rule
June 12th 2017In a big win for Sandoz, the US Supreme Court ruled today that a manufacturer of a biosimilar product can provide a notice of commercial marketing either before or after FDA approval of the drug to the reference product developer.
PhRMA Report a Call to Action on the Global Challenge to US Leadership in Biopharma
June 9th 2017The US biopharmaceutical industry faces mounting global competition from countries in the developing world and Europe that are increasingly implementing pro-innovation programs and strategies in the sector, according to a new report conducted for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
FDA Commissioner Gottlieb Focusing on Generics to Address High Drug Prices
June 7th 2017FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, said that the agency is examining how to push drug applications to “the front of the line” when there are fewer than 3 competing manufacturers for generic versions of a particular medication.
Nevada Governor Vetoed Bill Targeting Diabetes Drug Prices
June 6th 2017Nevada bill SB 265, which would have required pharmaceutical companies that make diabetes drugs to disclose information on insulin pricing, profits, and costs, and to publicly post that information, was vetoed by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. Sandovol cited concerns over “nascent, unproven, and disruptive” changes to state healthcare policy.
Demand for Greater Transparency, More Data in Demonstrating Biosimilars' Interchangeability
June 6th 2017The Biologics Prescribers Collaborative (BPC), an organization comprising 6 member groups whose memberships prescribe biologic agents, has released its comment letter to the FDA on the agency’s Considerations in Demonstrating Interchangeability With a Reference Product draft guidance, calling on the FDA to do more to “promote transparency and patient safety."
Biosimilars May Play an Important Role in Achieving ACA Reform Goals, but Challenges Remain
June 6th 2017In a new paper published in Cancer Care Management and Research, researchers examine the progress that the United States has made toward reforming healthcare since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, with a particular focus on the role that biosimilar products may play in achieving the ACA’s 3-fold goal of increasing access to treatment, controlling costs, and improving patient care.
Biosimilar Adoption Faces Serious Challenges Due to CMS Coverage Gap
June 2nd 2017The potential cost savings offered by biosimilars may never be realized in the United States if reimbursement incentives are not implemented to ensure their adoption and long-term use, according to industry expert Molly Burich.
Legal Battles Over the Biosimilars Patent Dance Continue in Amgen v Hospira
June 1st 2017The ongoing district court litigation of Amgen v Hospira—a case regarding Hospira’s proposed biosimilar to epoetin alfa (Epogen), a biological agent used to treat anemia—progressed on May 26, 2017, when counsel for Amgen filed a motion for a preliminary injunction.