Tagged as: FDA

FDA Approves New Trastuzumab Product

On February 28, 2019, the FDA approved Genentech’s Herceptin Hylecta (trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk).  According to a press release from Roche, Genentech’s parent company:  “This new treatment includes the same monoclonal antibody as intravenous Herceptin® (trastuzumab) in combination with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20, an enzyme that helps to deliver trastuzumab under…

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Health Canada Drops Suffix in Biologic and Biosimilar Naming Convention

gloved hand withdraws drug solution with syringe

Last week, Health Canada announced that biologic drugs, including biosimilars, will be identified “by their unique brand name and non-proprietary (common) name, without the addition of a product-specific suffix. Both the brand name and non-proprietary name should be used throughout the medication use process so that biologics that share the…

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FDA Approves Samsung Bioepis’s Trastuzumab Biosimilar

Today, the FDA approved Samsung Bioepis’s Ontruzant (trastuzumab-dttb), a biosimilar to Genentech’s Herceptin (trastuzumab), for the treatment of patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer and HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.  Samsung Bioepis’s product is the subject of ongoing BPCIA litigation, pending before the District of Delaware. This is the third biosimilar…

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Agency Activity During Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown continues, administrative agencies have been updating the public on their operating status. The FDA has released a statement on its website explaining that its operations will “continue to the extent permitted by law, such as activities necessary to address imminent threats to the safety of human…

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FDA Says It Will “Take Action” Against Companies Creating Confusion About Biosimilar Safety

In a tweet today, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb stated:  “FDA continues to be concerned about branded companies creating confusion about the safety and effectiveness of biosimilars and we’ll take action if we determine a company is deliberately misleading the public about the safety of these important products.”  The communication comes in response…

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FDA Approves Celltrion's Trastuzumab Biosimilar

Today, the FDA approved Celltrion’s Herzuma (trastuzumab-pkrb), a biosimilar that references Genentech’s Herceptin (trastuzumab), for the treatment of patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer, in accordance with the FDA-approved label.  Celltrion’s product is the subject of ongoing BPCIA litigation, pending before the District of Delaware. This marks the seventh biosimilar the FDA has approved…

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