Kelly Davio


FDA's Leah Christl Provides an Update on the Biosimilar Action Plan

October 23, 2018

While it is indeed the case that the current administration has made drug pricing and biosimilars a priority, and while the Biosimilar Action Plan was hailed as a major step forward for biosimilars in the United States, “It’s not the only plan that’s going to exist,” said the FDA's Leah Christl, PhD.

The Challenge of Educating Patients on Biosimilars

October 23, 2018

While provider education on biosimilars presents a hurdle for health systems worldwide, patient education is also an area of significant need. During the fifth DIA Biosimilars Conference, held October 22 to 23 in London, United Kingdom, several stakeholders addressed this challenge.

What Do Providers Need to Know About Biosimilars?

October 22, 2018

With a number of new biosimilars making their way to market and eventually to the clinic, it is crucial that healthcare providers become educated about and comfortable with biosimilar products. During a session at the fifth DIA Biosimilars Conference, held October 22 to 23 in London, United Kingdom, experts addressed a number of key areas for provider education.

The Clinical Trials Landscape Is Evolving in Biosimilar Development

October 22, 2018

Among the hottest topics in biosimilar development is the future of clinical trials, and that fact was evident during the opening session of the fifth DIA Biosimilars Conference, held October 22 to 23 in London, United Kingdom. During the presentation, a review of the biosimilar regulatory framework, 4 experts explained the ways in which the landscape for clinical trials is evolving for biosimilars.

Researchers Present on Immunogenicity of Biosimilar Anti-TNF Agents

October 21, 2018

The potential for the development of antidrug antibodies is a key concern among prescribers who use all biologics that target tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Two presentations at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, which will be held from October 19-24, 2018, will address the immunogenicity of biosimilars in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Administering Nivestym at Home Is Effective and Well-Received by Patients

October 18, 2018

A recent study provides insight into the feasibility of at-home administration of biosimilar filgrastim—Pfizer’s recently approved Nivestym—an option that has the potential to reduce patient burden associated with hospital administration.

Despite Educational Efforts, Providers Still Lack Knowledge on Biosimilars

October 18, 2018

Stakeholders hoping to see increased uptake of biosimilars in the United States are increasingly pointing to a lack of provider awareness as a key hindrance to the biosimilars marketplace. New research, to be presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, held from October 19-24, 2018, suggests that, despite efforts to educate providers, awareness of biosimilars—as well as awareness of patients’ attitudes toward them—remains low.

Ireland's MMP To Review Anti-TNF Drugs in a Push to Prescribe Best-Value Biologics

October 17, 2018

Ireland’s Medicines Management Program (MMP), a body that promotes cost-effective drug prescribing, has opened a consultation related to its roadmap for prescribing best-value biologics in the Irish healthcare setting. Under the roadmap, the MMP will review the use of currently reimbursed anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies, which represent the highest-expenditure category for Ireland’s reimbursement plan.