Oncology

Using Biosimilar Filgrastim Does Not Impact Plerixafor Use in Transplantation Candidates

December 2nd 2018

By Kelly Davio

Patients who are candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) require adequate collection of stem cells, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor agents (G-CSFs) are typically used for stem cell mobilization while plerixafor is used to increase the yield of mobilized stem cells. While the biosimilar filgrastim agent Zarxio has become a more widely used, cost-saving G-CSF option in this context, little research has been conducted on whether the use of the biosimilar rather than its reference, Neupogen, has an impact on plerixafor use in patients undergoing AHSCT.

PF-05280586 is Similar to Reference Rituximab in Follicular Lymphoma

December 1st 2018

By Samantha DiGrande

Article

The researchers concluded that the efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PF-05280586 and the reference were similar at the conclusion of the study at week 26.

Eye on Pharma: Daiichi Sankyo Launches Biosimilar Trastuzumab in Japan

November 30th 2018

By Samantha DiGrande

Article

Earlier this week, Daiichi Sankyo announced that it has launched its biosimilar trastuzumab, trastuzumab BS, referencing Herceptin, in Japan.

FDA Approves Celltrion's Rituximab Biosimilar, Truxima

November 29th 2018

By Kelly Davio

Article

The FDA has approved Celltrion and Teva’s rituximab biosimilar, Truxima (rituximab-abbs).

Sandoz Gains European Authorization for Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar, Ziextenzo

November 27th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Article

Sandoz announced today that the European Commission has granted a marketing authorization for its pegfilgrastim biosimilar, Ziextenzo, referencing Neulasta.

European Commission Authorizes Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar, Pelmeg

November 26th 2018

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

Article

The European Commission has granted a marketing authorization to Cinfa Biotech and Mundipharma’s biosimilar pegfilgrastim, Pelmeg, for all indications of the reference product, Neulasta.

Addition of 4 Older Drugs Could Improve Bevacizumab's Effect in Glioblastoma

November 22nd 2018

By Kelly Davio

Article

Bevacizumab, an anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for which 1 biosimilar has been approved to date, has been shown to improve quality of life for patients with glioblastoma—and to delay disease progression—but has not prolonged patients’ overall survival. However, recent research suggests that using 4 older drugs together with bevacizumab could provide a more effective treatment protocol.

Study: Biosimilar Filgrastim Use Is Concordant With EORTC Guidelines

November 21st 2018

By Kelly Davio

Article

Some studies have found that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapies are underused for the prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia (FN) in Europe, but the widespread availability of cheaper biosimilar options has led to increased use. A new study, published in BMC Cancer, sought to examine the use of the biosimilar filgrastim, Zarzio, in relationship to European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines.

Study Finds ABP 215 and Bevacizumab Demonstrate PK Similarity in Japanese Men

November 18th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

The researchers say that their data were consistent with the pharmacokinetic equivalence previously demonstrated in a single-dose PK study that included 202 healthy adult men in the United States and European Union, and thus add to the evidence of ABP-215 as a high-quality biosimilar to bevacizumab for use in Japan.

First-Line Bevacizumab More Effective in MBC Not Previously Treated with Taxanes

November 14th 2018

By Jackie Syrop

Article

Among long-term responders, first-line bevacizumab-based therapy is more effective in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who were not previously treated with taxanes, a recent Spanish study suggests.