The US Biosimilar Pathway: Unclear Just How Abbreviated, But Could Provide Useful Biosimilar 'Stamp'?

From what's known so far, pre-guidelines, about the FDA's as-yet-untested 351(k) biosimilars pathway, it isn't apparently so convincing as to be the obvious choice for all biosimilar applicants. Some sponsors at least feel that the traditional novel biologics approval pathway is just as viable, given uncertainty over the clinical trial burden (which some say may be almost as high as for a BLA) and over how quickly and effectively FDA will respond to 351(k) applications. There has already been a kerfuffle over user fees and how FDA will fund the additional resources required. Also see "Biosimilar User Fee Agreement Reached, But Will Require Appropriations Boost" - Pink Sheet, 22 September, 2011.

As well as in theory allowing interchangeability, the 351(k) pathway would also in theory allow indication extrapolation (for instance if...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Archive

Final Chance To Have Your Say: Take Our Reader Survey This Week

 

Editor’s note: This is your final call to participate in the survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. The deadline is 20 September.

Early Development Deals: Ipsen's Strategy For Biomarker-Driven Success

 

Mary Jane Hinrichs, Ipsen’s head of early development, talks to In Vivo about getting ahead of the competition by securing deals for candidates before they enter Phase I trials.   

Shape Our Content: Take The Reader Survey

 

Editor’s note: We are conducting a survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. If there are any changes you’d like to see in the coverage topics, content format or the method in which you receive and access In Vivo, or if you love it how it is, now is the time to have your voice heard.

In Partnership with Cerba Research

Prioritizing Safety in CAR-T Therapy: Patient Monitoring with Cerba Research’s Testing Portfolio

The cell and gene therapy (CGT) clinical trial landscape in general and CAR-T cell clinical trials in particular are a special focus for the FDA, EMA, and other regulatory agencies. The whole industry is thus aware of the recent FDA safety investigation and requirements for labeling CAR therapy products.

More from In Vivo

Deals Shaping The Industry, May 2025

 
• By 

An interactive look at pharma, medtech and diagnostics deals made during May 2025. Data courtesy of Biomedtracker.

Podcast: Flagship’s Vision To Predict And Prevent Illness, With Raj Panjabi

 
• By 

Flagship Pioneering senior partner Raj Panjabi discusses shifting health care from reactive treatment to AI-powered prediction and prevention of disease before symptoms emerge.

Rising Leaders 2025: Namrata Saroj On The Importance Of Authenticity In Ophthalmology

 

Namrata Saroj, chief business officer of Ocular Therapeutix, is highly respected in the retina community for her contributions to drug development. She talked to In Vivo about her journey in ophthalmology, leadership philosophy and the importance of authenticity in a close-knit specialty.