STADA Arzneimittel and Alvotech announced the launch of their high-concentration, citrate-free adalimumab biosimilar (Hukyndra) in France, Germany, Finland, and Sweden, with more European countries to come.
STADA Arzneimittel and Alvotech announced the launch of their high-concentration, citrate-free adalimumab biosimilar (Hukyndra; AVT02) in France, Germany, Finland, and Sweden, with more European countries to come.
The biosimilar to Humira will be offered to patients with rheumatic conditions in a 100-mg/mL high-formulation administered in a 40-mg/0.4-mL custom-designed prefilled auto-injector pen and as a 40-mg/0.4-mL or 80-mg/0.8-mL prefilled syringe.
Hukyndra represents STADA's fifth EU-approved biosimilar, following its epoetin zeta, pegfilgrastim, teriparatide, and bevacizumab biosimilars. In addition to AVT02, Alvotech is developing an ustekinumab biosimilar representing Stelara, which has shown promise in phase 1 and phase 3 trials, and had partnered with BiosanaPharma for a biosimilar to Xolair (omalizumab).
“Although biosimilar medicines have been marketed in Europe for over 16 years, significant unmet needs exist for patients to access key therapies…. Positively impacting the lives of European patients with inflammatory disorders with our high-concentration, citrate-free alternative to Humira is fully in line with STADA’s purpose of caring for people’s health as a trusted partner,” said Bryan Kim, head of global specialty and executive vice president at STADA, in a statement.
AVT02 was granted marketing authorization in the European Union in December 2021 and has been approved in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Canada. In Canada, AVT02 is marketed under the name Simlandi. Besides Hukyndra, there are 9 other EU-approved adalimumab biosimilars: Amgevita, Amsparity, Hefiya, Hulio, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Imraldi, Libmyris, and Yuflyma.
Alvotech and its commercialization partner Teva Pharmaceuticals are seeking approval for AVT02 with interchangeability status in the United States, where the biosimilar is under review.
“We are thrilled to take this important step with STADA into multiple European markets. The commercial partnership with STADA allows Alvotech to leverage its strengths as a purpose-built [research and development] and manufacturing platform, singularly focused on biosimilars, which are of vital importance for health care systems globally,” commented Anil Okay, chief commercial officer at Alvotech.
Biosimilar Approvals Streamlined With Advanced Statistics Amidst Differing Regulatory Requirements
February 25th 2025The FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) mandate high similarity between biosimilars and reference products, but their regulatory processes differ, especially with multiple reference products.
Will the FTC Be More PBM-Friendly Under a Second Trump Administration?
February 23rd 2025On this episode of Not So Different, we explore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) second interim report on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) with Joe Wisniewski from Turquoise Health, discussing key issues like preferential reimbursement, drug pricing transparency, biosimilars, shifting regulations, and how a second Trump administration could reshape PBM practices.
FDA, EMA Approve Second Pair of Denosumab Biosimilars
February 17th 2025The FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted approval, with interchangeability in the US, to Samsung Bioepis' denosumab biosimilars, which will be marketed under different names depending on whether they will be used to treat osteoporosis or bone metastases.
Biosimilars in America: Overcoming Barriers and Maximizing Impact
July 21st 2024Join us as we explore the complexities of the US biosimilars market, discussing legislative influences, payer and provider adoption factors, and strategies to overcome industry challenges with expert insights from Kyle Noonan, PharmD, MS, value & access strategy manager at Cencora.