Sarfaraz K. Niazi, PhD, summarized the citizen petitions he's filed to the FDA as well as changes he believes are needed to propel the biosimilar industry into the future, including calling on biosimilar manufacturers to help.
In May 2018, I filed a citizen petition to the FDA. I asked for a comprehensive review of the biosimilar guidelines to bring more rationality and scientific understanding of the testing required to approve biosimilars.The FDA responded 6 months after the filing on November 1, 2018, stating that it needed more time to review the requests made in the petition, even though a reply is expected within 120-180 days.1 The FDA did take some actions.
To bring FDA’s attention, I filed a follow-on citizen petition on September 1, 2023 to address the following remaining issues:6
Recognizing that there are 2 quality attributes: one related to the product dependent on the expression system relatively invariable and the other to the process that can be tailored to match the reference product within limitations. The product-related attributes are critical, while the process-related attributes are part of release specification, such as the protein content and potency, they should not be made part of the analytical assessment exercise, as expected by the FDA. The release specifications should be based on reference product attributes except for the legacy attributes related to the dosage form, such as protein content, potency, particle size, subvisible particles, sterility, etc. The product-related attributes are expected to be the least variable, and these can be tested using a smaller number of lots. The release specification is then established using the number of lots required depending on the variability of the attributes. For example, more lots will be required to establish post-translational modifications but not for impurities that can be well accepted as legacy attributes if there are no unmatched impurities. Many of these suggestions will reduce the time and cost of developing biosimilars.
Enforcing the inclusion of patent information about biologics and FDA regulatory exclusivity information in the "Purple Book" database was a direct consequence of the Purple Book Continuity Act implemented by the FDA.9 The enhanced database will offer novel prospects for industry professionals to identify (1) prospective partnerships for the licensing of current intellectual property, (2) fresh strategies for the enforcement and safeguarding of intellectual property, and, potentially, (3) avenues for the advancement of new technology.
Removing the ability for companies to engage in the “patent dance” through legislative action. This will require a legislative action that is highly sought after in the US Congress.10 Still, the forces of the originator companies have successfully prevented this from happening.
I am optimistic that major regulatory agencies will harmonize the approval regulations to enable developers to secure global selling rights, making the development cost more affordable. I would welcome those with the same mission to comment on my petition or write to the FDA, particularly biosimilar developers and their associations, such as the Biosimilars Council. My proposals are not drawn from just cost-saving intentions; these are to remove any unnecessary testing of humans to enable compliance with the Helsinki Agreement and to enable broader entry of biosimilars.
References
Challenges and Guidance in Biosimilar Assessment: An ISPOR Report on HTA Agency Approaches
May 14th 2024The ISPOR report highlights the urgent need for clear guidance on when and how to conduct health technology assessments (HTAs) for biosimilars, emphasizing the challenges faced by HTA agencies and the evolving role of HTAs in evaluating biosimilar value.
Biosimilars Policy Roundup for April 2024—Podcast Edition
May 5th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, The Center for Biosimilars® glances back at all the major biosimilar policy updates from April, including 2 FDA approvals, 1 European approval, and several insights into possible policy changes from the Festival of Biologics USA conference.
Cordavis Report Outlines Strategies for Biosimilar Development, Access in the US Health Care Market
May 8th 2024Cordavis, a CVS Healthspire company, released a report detailing the current hurdles faced in developing and commercializing biosimilars in the US and highlighting efforts by the organization to enhance access and affordability for these products.
Exploring the Biosimilar Horizon: Julie Reed's Predictions for 2024
February 18th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, Julie Reed, executive director of the Biosimilars Forum, returns to discuss her predictions for the biosimilar industry for 2024 and beyond as well as the impact that the Forum's 4 new members will have on the organization's mission.
Cencora Analysis Shows Differences in Payer Coverage Between G-CSF Biosimilars
May 2nd 2024Data from a Cencora study showed some misalignment in payer coverage of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) biosimilars, highlighting that while filgrastim biosimilars are often favored over the originator, reference pegfilgrastim still dominates over its biosimilars.