Samsung Biologics’ third quarter report disclosed that it had suspended its research and development of its SAIT101, a biosimilar of Rituxan. As we previously reported, the rituximab product was being developed through Archigen Biotech, a joint venture with AstraZeneca. According to a report in Korea Biomedical Review, a Samsung Biologics…
On October 20, 2020, NeuClone announced that it successfully completed its Phase I clinical trial of NeuLara, its proposed biosimilar of Stelara (ustekinumab). According to Neuclone, the Phase I clinical trial demonstrated similar clinical pharmacokinetics, and safety, immunogenicity and tolerability profiles of NeuLara compared to US- and EU-sourced Stelara. NeuLara…
Alvotech and DKSH recently announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to commercialize six new biosimilar candidates for the Asian markets. The press release does not name the biosimilar candidates, but states that they “address[] multiple therapeutic areas.” The companies previously entered into an exclusive license partnership for Alvotech’s adalimumab…
Following approval by the European Commission in July, last week Accord Healthcare announced the launch of Zercepac® a biosimilar to Herceptin® in the United Kingdom. According to the press release, Zercepac® is indicated for the treatment of certain patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and previously untreated…
On September 15, 2020, Merck Canada Inc., an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc., announced that Health Canada approved BRENZYS® (etanercept) for the following additional indications: Adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy; Pediatric patients ages 4 to 17…
On August 25, 2020, the Association for Accessible Medicines filed a new Complaint challenging California’s Assembly Bill 824 (“AB 824”). Enacted in October 2019 and in effect as of January 1, 2020, AB 824 imposes a presumption of anticompetitive effect on certain agreements that involve generic or biosimilar manufacturers and…
Last week, BeiGene and Bio-Thera Solutions announced that the companies had entered into a license, distribution, and supply agreement for BAT1706, Biothera’s Avastin® (bevacizumab) biosimilar, in China. According to the announcement, Bio-Thera has agreed to grant BeiGene the right to develop, manufacture, and commercialize BAT1706 in China, Hong Kong, Macau,…
Today, Cadila Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of its adalimumab biosimilar, Cadalimab™, in India. HUMIRA® (adalimumab) is approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis. Cadila’s press release noted that “[i]n an effort to strengthen their biosimilar product portfolio, Cadalimab™ is the fourth biosimilar launched in the last…
Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. announced on August 14, 2020 the approval of its trastuzumab biosimilar HLX02 by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This same product was approved by the European Commission on July 27th. According to the press release, this is the the first China-developed mAb biosimilar to be…
Today Alvotech and Teva announced that they have entered into an exclusive strategic partnership for the commercialization of five biosimilar candidates in the U.S. Under the partnership agreement, Alvotech will be responsible for the development, registration and supply of the biosimilars, and Teva will be exclusively commercializing the products in…