Coherus Biosimilar Used ‘Scientific Justification’ To Skip Switch Study, Still Get Interchangeability With Lucentis

Information on mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and toxicity convinced the US FDA there was no risk in terms of safety or diminished efficacy of switching between Cimerli and the reference product, Genentech’s eye drug Lucentis.

Lucentis Biosimilar Drug review profile
Cimerli was not subject to a 'switching' study prior to earning an interchangeability nod. • Source: Shutterstock

Coherus BioSciences, Inc. and partner Bioeq IP AG provided “sufficient justification” that Cimerli (ranibizumab-eqrn), a biosimilar of Genentech, Inc.’s macular degeneration treatment Lucentis (ranibizumab), will produce the same clinical result in any given patient for each condition of use, the US Food and Drug Administration said in deciding to award an interchangeability designation in the absence of a “switching” study.

More from Drug Review Profiles

Testosterone, TRAVERSE, And A Label Change 15 Years In The Making

 

The Pink Sheet drug review profile investigates the long and rigorous process behind the FDA’s recent relaxation of the cardiovascular safety warning for testosterone products.

Testosterone CV Safety, From Signal To Label

 

The Pink Sheet Drug Review Profile breaks down the FDA's long reckoning with testosterone cardiovascular safety concerns

US FDA Review Of Akebia’s Vafseo Informed By Roxadustat, Daprodustat Safety Concerns

 
• By 

Vadadustat's review overlapped with two other oral HIF-PH class drugs. Safety issues with FibroGen/AstraZeneca’s roxadustat drew attention during vadadustat's first-cycle review, while GSK’s Jesduvroq labeling and postmarketing requirements informed the second-cycle approval.

Akebia’s Vafseo: Japanese Postmarketing Data, Narrowed Indication Eased Liver Toxicity Worries

 
• By 

The Pink Sheet Drug Review Profile explores the US FDA’s approval of vadadustat to treat anemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis. A complete response letter cited the risk of drug-induced liver injury, but postmarketing data from Japan reassured reviewers.

More from Product Reviews

European Regulator Deals Blow For Lilly’s Alzheimer’s Drug Kisunla

 

Eli Lilly’ will request a re-examination after the European Medicines Agency declined to recommend its Alzheimer’s disease drug Kisunla for EU approval.

EMA’s Newly Qualified AI Tool To Boost MASH Market Dynamics

 

The European Medicines Agency’s qualification of the AIM-NASH tool is said to signify a major advancement for clinical trials for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. The market size for MASH treatments is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.

EMA Considers Whether Intrathecal Zolgensma Deserves Fast Tracking

 

Novartis is planning to file EU and US marketing applications for an intrathecal formulation of its spinal muscular atrophy gene therapy, Zolgensma, in H1 2025.