Practice

Bevacizumab and Cost-Saving Biosimilars Could Play a Role in Treating Advanced HCC

February 22nd 2019

By Kelly Davio

A newly published study discussed the potential for the anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agent bevacizumab (Avastin) and its cost-saving biosimilars to be used as second-line therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who progressed while receiving standard therapy.

Infliximab and Its Biosimilars Hold Both Promise and Challenges in Treating Neurosarcoidosis

February 20th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Corticosteroids are often given as therapy for neurosarcoidosis, but there remains a need for more effective treatment, and infliximab is increasingly used in this context.

In Treating Patients With IBD Using Anti-TNFs, Clinicians Must Recognize and Manage AEs

February 17th 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Originator and biosimilar anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapies are widely used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are effective in reducing systemic inflammation and thereby reducing tissue damage. While these drugs have revolutionized the treatment of IBD, adverse events (AEs) related to these agents can cause morbidity and mortality, and gastroenterologists must be prepared to recognize and manage these AEs. A recently published review described AEs of particular concern with anti-TNFs and outlined their management.

Even as Russian Biosimilars Advance, Providers Have a High Unmet Educational Need

February 15th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Even as developers begin work on the next wave of cost-saving biosimilars, and though approximately 50 biosimilar products (including monoclonal antibodies) have been approved in Russia to date, the country has not yet established clear regulatory guidelines for biosimilars.

The Top 5 Biosimilars Articles for the Week of February 11

February 15th 2019

The Center for Biosimilars® recaps the top news for the week of February 11, 2019.

CT-P13 in IBD Is Safe and Effective in the Long Term, Research Shows

February 14th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Evidence to support treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a category that includes Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with biosimilar infliximab continues to develop, and several new studies highlight the safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with CT-P13 (Inflectra, Remsima).

New Research Highlights the Role of Biosimilar Etanercept in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis

February 13th 2019

By Kelly Davio

While the United States continues to await the launch of the first FDA-approved biosimilar etanercept (Erelzi), in other parts of the world biosimilars of the reference etanercept (Enbrel) are being widely used in clinical practice, and recent research reports on the role that biosimilar etanercept plays in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Infliximab Saves on Short-Term Costs in ASUC, and Biosimilars Could Help

February 12th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) can occur in up to 25% of patients with UC. Salvage therapy with infliximab or cyclosporine is standard first-line therapy for patients who do not respond adequately to intravenous corticosteroids, but questions have arisen about the cost-effectiveness of this approach versus early colectomy. A recent study, conducted in a tertiary hospital network in Australia, sought to compare healthcare utilization and costs between patients with ASUC who had early colectomy and those who were treated with infliximab.

No Safety Risks Found in a Switch From Reference Rituximab to GP2013

February 8th 2019

By Kelly Davio

GP2013, a biosimilar rituximab developed by Sandoz and licensed in the European Union under the brand names Rixathon and Riximyo, is used to treat both malignant and inflammatory diseases. A recently published paper, appearing in Arthritis Care and Research, says that researchers detected no safety risks when switching patients with rheumatoid arthritis from reference rituximab (Rituxan) to the biosimilar.

CT-P10 Shows Long-Term Similarity to EU and US Reference Rituximab in RA

February 7th 2019

By Kelly Davio

New research, published in BioDrugs, underscores the long-term efficacy and safety of treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with biosimilar rituximab, CT-P10.