Latest Conference Articles

Biologics Show Similar Efficacy in Older Patients as in Younger, No Matter When RA Begins

Allison Inserro

November 14 2019

The lead author said the results indicate that biologics can be used in older patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as effectively as in those who are younger.

Newly Presented Data on SB4 Show Successful Switches, Safe Use, and No Evidence of Nocebo

Kelly Davio

November 13 2019

While US patients continue to wait for a biosimilar etanercept to become commercially available, real-world data continue to amass for Samsung Bioepis’ biosimilar, SB4, in European clinical practice. The biosimilar, sold as Benepali in the European context, was the subject of several studies presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology’s 2019 meeting, held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Studies Highlight Real-World Data on GP2015 and Predict Substantial US Cost Savings With Biosimilar Use

Kelly Davio

November 13 2019

Among the first biosimilars to gain US approval was Sandoz’s etanercept biosimilar, GP2015, or Erelzi. The product was authorized by the FDA in 2016, but it has not yet launched in the US market due to long-running patent disputes related to Amgen’s innovator product, Enbrel. In other markets, however, the biosimilar is a widely used treatment option, and data presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s 2019 meeting, held this week in Atlanta, Georgia, show that not only is the biosimilar safe and effective in real-world practice in ex-US markets, but it could also bring about substantial savings in the United States once it becomes available.

Infants Exposed to Tofacitinib In Utero Experience Very Few Serious Infections, Study Says

Allison Inserro

November 13 2019

The results will inform will inform counseling and management of pregnant women with inflammatory diseases who need tofacitinib or non-tumor necrosis factor inhibitors during pregnancy, said the author.

Looking to the Future, Biosimilar Pioneer Celltrion Is Banking on Biobetters

Kelly Davio

November 12 2019

Improvements in biosimilars—ones that may give them an advantage such as lower immunogenicity or a new route of administration—may be the key to unlocking a better patient experience, according to Celltrion. In fact, pursuing such so-called “biobetters” may prove to be more important for the drug maker than pursuing interchangeable biosimilars.

Pharma Panel Grapples With Drug Pricing, Real-World Evidence, and Creating Headroom for Innovative Therapies

Kelly Davio

November 12 2019

During the FT Global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Conference, held this week in London, United Kingdom, a panel of executives from pharmaceutical companies, together with a scientist whose focus is on economics, discussed the increasingly challenging problem of paying for innovative therapies, particularly in a context of heightened political pressure around high drug costs.

Rising Drug Prices Cited for Most Biologic Spending Growth

Allison Inserro

November 11 2019

Postmarket drug price changes alone accounted for most of the recent spending growth on biologics, and manufacturers’ rebates had little impact, according to an abstract presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s 2019 meeting, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, this week.

Rheumatologists' Biosimilar Awareness Is Growing, But Their Confidence Has Room to Improve

Kelly Davio

November 11 2019

Over the past few years, awareness of biosimilars has been increasing; however, research presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s 2019 meeting, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, shows that while US rheumatologists hold growing awareness of biosimilars, hesitancy remains around such issues as switching stable patients and the extrapolation of indications.

At ACR, New Data for Amgen's Proposed Infliximab and Rituximab Biosimilars in RA

Kelly Davio

November 11 2019

On Sunday, during the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)’s 2019 meeting, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, researchers reported on the safety and efficacy of the proposed infliximab biosimilar ABP 710 in a phase 3 study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers also reported on a phase 1 and 3 study of the proposed rituximab biosimilar, ABP 798, in patients with RA.

Applying Biosimilar Savings in Markets Around the World

Kelly Davio

November 8 2019

The great promise of biosimilars is their ability to provide high-quality treatment at a reduced cost, thereby producing cost savings that can be reapplied. But how are healthcare systems around the globe utilizing those cost savings? During the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research 2019 meeting, held this week in Copenhagen, Denmark, several teams of researchers reported on how biosimilars are impacting international markets, and how they could provide headroom for new, expensive treatments.