Samantha DiGrande


Anti-TNF Therapy Holds Promise for Patients With Coexisting Lupus and RA

March 07, 2018

A recent study analyzed the long-term efficacy and safety profile of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment in 15 patients with rhupus, a rare association defined by the coexistence of both systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the same patient.

Michigan Governor Signs Legislation Allowing Biosimilar Substitution

March 06, 2018

The law, which was passed with broad bipartisan support in both the Michigan House and Senate, allows for biologics designated by the FDA as interchangeable to be substituted at pharmacies with appropriate communication of the substitution to both patients and physicians.

Amgen Gains Positive CHMP Opinion for Neulasta Onpro as Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar Competition Draws Closer

March 02, 2018

This week, Amgen announced that the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion recommending a label variation for its reference pegfilgrastim to now include the branded Neulasta Onpro Kit.

Cadila to Seek FDA Approval of Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar by 2019

March 02, 2018

India-based drug manufacturer Cadila Healthcare has announced that it is planning to file a Biologics License Application (BLA) for its biosimilar pegfilgrastim with the FDA by the end of 2019. To date, no developer has been successful in gaining regulatory approval in the United States or European Union for a biosimilar of the reference pegfilgrastim.

Biosimilars of Hemophilia Therapies: Are They Likely?

February 28, 2018

In a recently published editorial in The Official Journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia, author Angela Thomas, MB, PhD, discusses the advancements in hemophilia treatment as well as the place biosimilars may or may not have in reducing the cost of care.

Editorial Argues That Nocebo Effect Could Harm Patients Who Switch to Biosimilars

February 27, 2018

A recently published editorial linked to a previous switching study for patients who had been receiving reference infliximab (Remicade) to biosimilar infliximab (Inflectra) argues that the positive results of the trial “apparently settles the case in favor of unrestricted switching of 'expensive' originator to 'cheap' biosimilar infliximab. Yet, the devil is the details."

Anti-Infliximab Antibodies Can Guide Treatment Intensification in Patients With CD

February 23, 2018

A study published in Alimentary Pharmacology Therapeutics in December 2017 compared the outcomes, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of treatment intensification strategies in patients with Crohn disease (CD) who have lost clinical response to the anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy infliximab.