Biosimilar Switching Studies May Not Be Worth Effort For US Interchangeability, Sponsors Say

Payers are driving the selection of reference products or biosimilars, creating an ‘artificial interchangeability’ unlikely to be affected by the actual regulatory designation, industry reps say; former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb says misinformation campaigns around biosimilar and interchangeable products may lead to enforcement by the FDA and Federal Trade Commission.

conference
Biosimilars Review & Report's Stan Mehr, Samsung Bioepis' Sang-Jin Pak, Sandoz's Carol Lynch and Mylan's Chrys Kokino talk interchangeability at the AAM meeting. • Source: Sue Sutter

Investing time and resources in a switching study to support an interchangeability designation may not be worthwhile for biosimilar sponsors given the commercial dynamics of the US market, industry representatives said at the Association for Accessible Medicines' recent generics and biosimilars conference.

Representatives from Sandoz Inc., Mylan NV, and Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd. said the concept of interchangeability, which was established in the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet 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 Biosimilars

ICH Targets RWE, Rare Diseases, Biosimilars, ATMPs In New Guideline Push

 
• By 

The International Council for Harmonisation has identified four new topics that can benefit from global regulatory alignment, with timelines for initiating work to be determined later.

EU Biosimilar Filings, Opinions And Approvals

 

A list of EU biosimilar filings, CHMP opinions and EU marketing authorizations, including details of the biosimilar company, the brand name/INN, indication(s), the reference product/company, and the date and type of event.

Pulling Together: Global Regulators Discuss Convergence On Biosimilars

 
• By 

While the biosimilars industry has welcomed individual pockets of progress around regulatory streamlining, it is essential that approaches from global authorities move forward together if they are to have a meaningful impact on biosimilar development. At Medicines for Europe’s annual biosimilars conference, regulators from around the world talked about how their thinking is converging.

Missing BsUFA Revenue Trigger Could Open US FDA Staff To Criminal Penalty

 

Massive layoffs and the biosimilar user fee program’s historic flirtation with the non-user fee spending requirements raise concerns that the FDA could lose its ability to collect BsUFA revenue, which could mean a fine or jail time for agency staff.

More from Biosimilars & Generics

US FDA Guidance Roadblock: Writing Continues, But Publication Has Slowed Or Stopped

 

Cuts to the FDA’s policy and legal personnel have prevented dozens of product-specific guidances for generic drug development from being published.

Viatris Agrees To $335m Opioid Settlement Ending US State, Local Government Cases

 
• By 

Viatris joined Hikma and Amneal, in signing agreements for cash settlements that resolve allegations its practices fueled the US’ deadly opioid epidemic.

US FDA Shows Support For Generic Drug User Fee Goals Amid Cutbacks

 

The FDA struck an upbeat tone during its annual Generic Drugs Forum despite an unprecedented period of cutbacks and disruptions and reiterated a desire to continue meeting user fee goals.