Practice

Treating MS With Rituximab May Be Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

March 18th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Although rituximab does not carry an indication for the treatment of neurological disorders, the drug is widely used off-label as a therapy for B-cell–mediated disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). Given the fact that rituximab has not been approved in these indications, however, data that reflect its safety and efficacy—particularly in patient populations for whom data are particularly scarce—are crucial.

US Patients Satisfied With a Switch to Biosimilar Infliximab, Study Finds

March 18th 2019

By Kelly Davio

In a paper published last week in ACR Open Rheumatology, researchers reported that although patients had some concerns about safety and efficacy, overall, they were satisfied with the switch to a biosimilar.

Most Patients With AS Stop Their First Anti-TNF Therapy by Year 2, Study Finds

March 14th 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Recently, a new study sought to examine treatment patterns in US patients new to anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy, and it found that a majority of patients, particularly women, do not remain on their first anti-TNF after 2 years.

Biosimilar Filgrastim Shows How Value Can Evolve Over Time, Study Says

March 12th 2019

By Allison Inserro

A recent meta-analysis of reference filgrastim’s (Neupogen) role in chemotherapy since its approval in 1991 shows how the definition of value has evolved over time as biosimilars for granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) entered the market.

Fewer Than Half of Oncologists in ESMO Survey Report Using Biosimilars in Clinical Practice

March 11th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Only 49.0% of prescribers reported that they use biosimilars in routine clinical practice, with more respondents from the Asia–Pacific region (56.3%) using these agents than their European counterparts (46.5%). The rate of use in the European group was lowest among UK prescribers (31.3%). A total of 24.1% reported that they do not use biosimilars in practice due to either a lack of approval or a lack of reimbursement in their respective countries.

Most Polish Pharmacists Have Concerns About Biosimilars, Survey Finds

March 9th 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Biosimilars have been making substantial inroads in Europe, where their use is associated with increased patient access to treatment, particularly in nations with lower healthcare resources. Even so, biosimilars may be unfamiliar to stakeholders, and prescribers, pharmacists, and patients have lingering concerns about these products.

Investigators Present Data on ADA Development, TDM for Biosimilar Adalimumab

March 6th 2019

By Kelly Davio

The advent of biosimilar adalimumab in the European Union was among the most eagerly awaited events for biosimilar stakeholders in 2018. During this week’s European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation’s 14th Congress, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, research teams are presenting findings concerning antidrug antibody (ADA) development related to adalimumab and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of one of those adalimumab biosimilars: Amgen’s ABP 501, sold in the European Union as Amgevita.

Researchers Present Findings on Switching to CT-P13 in IBD

March 4th 2019

By Kelly Davio

This week, the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) will hold its 14th Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. During the meeting, which runs from March 6-9, experts will gather from around the globe to discuss significant medical research into the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and numerous researchers will present findings on real-world switches to biosimilar infliximab CT-P13 (Inflectra, Remsima).

The Top 5 Biosimilars Articles for the Week of February 25

March 1st 2019

The Center for Biosimilars® recaps the top news for the week of February 25, 2019.

Psoriasis Guideline: Anti-TNF Biosimilars Can Be Considered Therapeutically Interchangeable With References

February 23rd 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

New psoriasis treatment guidelines released this month by the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation outline the use of biologics in treating and managing psoriasis.