Biosimilars in psoriasis: what can we expect?
Biosimilars are biotechnologically processed drugs whose amino acid sequence is identical to the original biopharmaceutical. They are of considerable clinical, economical, and health care interest. As patents for biologicals used to treat psoriasis expire, biosimilars will become more and more important within the field of dermatology. The patents for the two top-selling drugs (adalimumab and etanercept) will terminate in the next few years. Applications for biosimilars will presumably be submitted to the EMA and the FDA for all patent-free biologicals. Both regulatory bodies have issued guidelines on the assessment of bioequivalence, as well as the benefits and risks of biosimilars. While the preclinical requirements of the FDA and EMA are largely comparable, the formal requirements for clinical bioequivalence, including clinical efficacy and safety, differ markedly. Therefore, from a medical and health care perspective before biosimilars enter the market, specific evidence-based regulatory conditions need to be created and fulfilled. Only then biosimilars can be a less expensive option for a large number of patients, providing them with substances of the same value. Adequate, unequivocal proof of their bioequivalence, quality, and related patient safety should have priority over any ostensible economic benefits.
CVderm - Center of Excellence for Health Services Research in Dermatology, IVDP - Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Dermatologie, Dermatology Practice, Hamburg, Germany.
Marc Alexander
MA
Radtke
Matthias
M
Augustin
D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017277:Drug Approval / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014481:United States
D059451:Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents