Zarzio Ameliorates Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Induced By a High Fat Diet in a Rat Experimental Model: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

SUMMARY: The therapeutic effect of a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) biosimilar drug, zarzio, on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a rat model was investigated in this study. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups. Groups I and II were fed a standard laboratory diet, whereas groups III and IV were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. After 12 weeks of feeding, groups I and III were administered normal saline, and groups II and IV were intraperitoneally administered zarzio (200 mg/kg/day) for two consecutive weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess hepatic and pancreatic morphology in all groups, oil red O (ORO) staining for lipid accumulation, Masson's staining for fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry assay for hepatic protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and pancreatic caspase-3. The NAFLD rats (group III) developed hepatic steatosis with increased lipid accumulation, perisinusoidal fibrosis, upregulated IRS1, TNF-α (all P<0.05) without a significant increase in Nrf2 protein expression compared with normal control. In comparison, model rats treated with zarzio (group IV) showed significant rejuvenation of the hepatic architecture, reduction of fat accumulation, and fibrosis. This was accompanied by the upregulation of Nrf2, downregulation of IRS1 and TNF-α protein expression (all P<0.05). No correlation was detected between NAFLD and non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD). However, the pancreatic β-cells in group III showed increased caspase-3 expression, which was decreased (P<0.05) in group IV. In conclusion, zarzio ameliorates NAFLD by improving the antioxidant capacity of liver cells, reducing hepatic IRS1, TNF-α protein expression and pancreatic β-cells apoptosis, suggesting that zarzio could be used as a potential therapy for NAFLD.

En este estudio se investigó el efecto terapéutico de un fármaco biosimilar del factor estimulante de colonias de granulocitos (G-CSF), zarzio, sobre la enfermedaddel hígado graso no alcohólico (NAFLD) en un modelo de rata. Treinta y dos ratas se dividieron aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos. Los grupos I y II fueron alimentados con una dieta estándar de laboratorio, mientras que los grupos III y IV fueron alimentados con una dieta alta en grasas (HFD) durante 14 semanas. Después de 12 semanas de alimentación, a los grupos I y III se les administró solución salina normal, y a los grupos II y IV se les administró zarzio por vía intraperitoneal (200 mg/kg/ día) durante dos semanas consecutivas. Se utilizó tinción de hematoxilina-eosina (H&E) para evaluar la morfología hepática y pancreática en todos los grupos, tinción con rojo aceite O (ORO) para la acumulación de lípidos, tinción de Masson para la fibrosis y ensayo de inmunohistoquímica para la expresión de la proteína hepática del sustrato 1 del receptor de insulina (IRS1), factor nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado con el factor 2 (Nrf2), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α) y caspasa-3 pancreática. Las ratas NAFLD (grupo III) desarrollaron esteatosis hepática con aumento de la acumulación de lípidos, fibrosis perisinusoidal, IRS1 y TNF-α regulados positivamente (todos P <0,05) sin un aumento significativo en la expresión de la proteína Nrf2 en comparación con el control normal. En comparación, las ratas modelo tratadas con zarzio (grupo IV) mostraron un rejuvenecimiento significativo de la arquitectura hepática, una reducción de la acumulación de grasa y fibrosis. Esto estuvo acompañado por la regulación positiva de Nrf2, la regulación negativa de la expresión de la proteína IRS1 y TNF-α (todas P <0,05). No se detectó correlación entre NAFLD y la enfermedad del páncreas graso no alcohólico (NAFPD). Sin embargo, las células β pancreáticas en el grupo III mostraron una mayor expresión de caspasa-3, que disminuyó (P <0,05) en el grupo IV. En conclusión, zarzio mejora la NAFLD al mejorar la capacidad antioxidante de las células hepáticas, reduciendo el IRS1 hepático, la expresión de la proteína TNF-α y la apoptosis de las células β pancreáticas, lo que sugiere que zarzio podría usarse como una terapia potencial para la NAFLD.

Effectiveness and safety in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases with etanercept and infliximab biosimilars in Colombian patients

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of infliximab and etanercept biosimilar drugs in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis in a specialized institution in Colombia, between 2015 and 2019. Methods: A retrospective study in patients treated with infliximab and etanercept biosimilar drugs treated in an institution specializing in the management of rheumatological diseases, to verify the clinimetric indicators of effectiveness and reports of adverse drug reactions. Clinical, sociodemographic, and pharmacological variables were identified over 5 years of follow-up. Results: 207 patients were identified with a mean age of 48.7 ± 15.1 years, 61.4% were women. Of the patients, 58.0% (n = 120) used infliximab and 42.0% (n = 87) etanercept. It was found that 46 (22.2%) patients had adverse drug reactions. At the end of the observation period, 61.6% (n = 72) of the patients with RA had achieved control of the disease (mild activity or remission), and 57.9% (n = 117) had problems with access to and persistence with therapy. Conclusion: In a group of patients treated in Colombia, the biosimilars of infliximab and etanercept showed proportions of effectiveness and safety comparable to the reference drugs, but lack of adherence to treatment was quite common.

Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad y la seguridad de medicamentos biosimilares de infliximab y etanercept en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, espondilitis anquilosante, colitis ulcerativa y psoriasis en una institución especializada de Colombia, entre los arios 2015 y 2019. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, en pacientes tratados con infliximab y etanercept biosimilares, atendidos en una institución especializada en el manejo de enfermedades reumatológicas, para verificar los indicadores clinimétricos de efectividad y reportes de reacciones adversas medicamentosas. Se identificaron variables clínicas, sociodemográficas y farmacológicas durante cinco años de seguimiento. Resultados: Se identificaron 207 pacientes, con una edad media de 48,7 ± 15,1 años, el 61,4% de los cuales eran mujeres. El 58% (n = 120) de los pacientes utilizó infliximab y el 42% (n = 87) etanercept. Se encontró que 46 (22,2%) pacientes presentaron reacciones adversas al medicamento. Al final del periodo de observación, un 61,6% (n = 72) de los pacientes con AR había alcanzado el control de la enfermedad (actividad leve o remisión) y, en general, el 57,9% (n = 117) tuvo problemas de acceso y persistencia a la terapia. Conclusión: En un grupo de pacientes tratados en Colombia, los biosimilares de infliximab y etanercept mostraron proporciones de efectividad y seguridad comparables a los medicamentos de referencia, pero fue bastante común la falta de adherencia al tratamiento.

Taxas de descontinuação do tratamento após a troca de um biológico originador por um biossimilar em pacientes com doenças inflamatórias intestinais: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Discontinuation rates following a switch from a reference to a biosimilar biologic in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, these drugs had a significant influence on treatment-related costs, which resulted in the development of biosimilars. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the drug discontinuation rate in the IBD population who switched from originator to biosimilars in real-world switching studies and address potential nocebo effects as reasons for drug discontinuation. METHODS: Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and abstract databases of selected congresses were screened for reports of monoclonal antibody (mAb) switching with a minimum post-switch follow-up of >6 months or three infusions. All available information on discontinuation rates was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 30 observational studies were included, involving 3,594 patients with IBD. Twenty-six studies reported a switch from infliximab to CT-P13, two studies involved a switch to SB2, and switching information was not available in two studies. The discontinuation rates were 8%, 14%, and 21% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The main reasons for drug discontinuation and their respective risks were: disease worsening (2%), remission (4%), loss of adherence (4%), adverse events (5%), and loss of response (7%). The quality of the evidence ranged from low to very low depending on the outcome analyzed. Subjective symptoms leading to drug discontinuation were infrequently reported, and the nocebo effect was clearly assessed in just one of the included papers. CONCLUSION: Discontinuation rates following a switch to a biosimilar in patients with IBD increase over time. However, it was not possible to confirm the nocebo effect as a reason for discontinuation. Therefore, long-term studies evaluating the use of biosimilars to monitor adverse events and potential nocebo effects in post-marketing surveillance are still needed.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Os biológicos revolucionaram o tratamento da doença inflamatória intestinal (DII). Ademais, esses medicamentos influenciaram os custos relacionados ao tratamento. Tal aumento significativo nos gastos com o tratamento motivou desenvolvimento dos biossimilares. OBJETIVO: Esta revisão sistemática e metanálise objetivou avaliar a taxa de descontinuação de medicamentos na população com DII que foi submetida à troca do biológico originador para um biossimilar, em estudos observacionais que abordaram possíveis razões para a descontinuação do tratamento. MÉTODOS: Tendo como base de dados Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library e resumos de congressos médicos, foram rastreados artigos com relatos de troca de um biológico originador por um biossimilar, com acompanhamento pós-troca de no mínimo 6 meses ou três infusões. Todas as informações disponíveis sobre as taxas de descontinuação foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no total 30 estudos observacionais, envolvendo 3.594 pacientes com DII. Vinte e seis estudos relataram uma mudança do infliximabe para CT-P13, dois estudos envolveram uma mudança para o SB2, e as informações sobre a troca não estavam disponíveis em dois estudos. As taxas de descontinuação foram de 8%, 14% e 21% aos 6, 12 e 24 meses, respectivamente. Os principais motivos para a descontinuação do medicamento e seus respectivos riscos foram: agravamento da doença (2%), remissão (4%), perda de adesão (4%), eventos adversos (5%) e perda de resposta (7%). A qualidade da evidência variou de baixa a muito baixa, dependendo do resultado analisado. Os sintomas subjetivos que levaram à descontinuação do medicamento foram relatados com pouca frequência, e o efeito nocebo foi claramente avaliado em apenas um dos artigos incluídos. CONCLUSÃO: As taxas de descontinuação após a mudança para um biossimilar em pacientes com DII aumentam com o tempo. No entanto, não foi possível confirmar o efeito nocebo como motivo da descontinuação. Portanto, ainda são necessários estudos em longo prazo avaliando o uso de biossimilares para monitorar eventos adversos e potenciais efeitos nocebo na vigilância pós-comercialização.

O custo da extensão da vigência de patentes de medicamentos para o Sistema Único de Saúde / The cost to the Brazilian Unified National Health System of the extension of drug patent terms / El coste para el Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil de la extensión de la vigencia de patentes de medicamentos

Resumo: O parágrafo único do art. 40 da Lei de Propriedade Industrial brasileira estabelece a extensão de vigência de patentes pela mora do exame, ao menos, até dez anos a partir da concessão. Pensado como exceção, esse dispositivo tornou-se a regra no caso das patentes farmacêuticas, prolongando o prazo de exclusividade de exploração de medicamentos. Isso impacta o consumo privado e o orçamento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Este trabalho investiga o custo, para o SUS, da extensão de vigência de nove medicamentos, por ser proibida a compra de versões genéricas ou biossimilares. Foram analisados três grupos: (a) quatro já em extensão; (b) três que, com a concessão das patentes, terão extensão; e (c) dois com patentes mailbox que estão em domínio público, mas que podem ter a extensão garantida judicialmente. A partir de valores unitários e quantidades totais de compra pelo Departamento de Logística em Saúde do Ministério da Saúde (DLOG), foi estimado um gasto total de R$ 10,6 bilhões com os nove medicamentos entre 2014 a 2018. Assim, foi projetado o gasto total nos respectivos períodos de extensão: R$ 6,8 bilhões. Uma busca de mercado por preços de alternativas genéricas retornou uma redução potencial de R$ 1,2 bilhão para o gasto do DLOG com apenas quatro medicamentos. Por fim, com base nas reduções mínimas, médias e máximas do mercado, foi encontrada uma economia potencial de até R$ 3,9 bilhões no gasto do DLOG com a compra dos nove medicamentos, se não houvesse o dispositivo de extensão de vigência.

Abstract: The sole paragraph of Article 40 of the Brazilian Industrial Property Law determines the extension of the patent term in case of delayed prosecution, guaranteeing 10 years of protection from grant. Originally conceived as an exception, this provision became the rule in the case of drug patents, prolonging period of exclusive exploitation. This situation impacts both the out-of-pocket spending by families and the budget of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). This study explores the cost to SUS of extending the patent term for nine drugs, which delays the launch of generic or biosimilar alternatives. Three groups were analyzed: (a) four patents already extended; (b) three that will be extended if granted; and (c) two drugs with mailbox patents that are in the public domain, but that may have the extension granted by court order. Based on the unit values and the total amounts of purchases by the Logistics Department of the Ministry of Health (DLOG), a total expenditure of BRL 10.6 billion on the nine drugs from 2014 to 2018 was estimated. The total projected expenditure for the respective extension periods was thus BRL 6.8 billion. A market price search for generic alternatives yielded potential savings of BRL 1.2 billion in expenditures by DLOG on four drugs alone. Finally, based on the minimum, average, and maximum market price reductions, potential savings of up to BRL 3.9 billion were estimated for DLOG on the purchase of the nine medicines, if the patent terms were not extended.

Resumen: El párrafo único del art. 40 de la Ley de Propiedad Industrial brasileña establece la extensión de la vigencia de patentes, debido al retraso de su examen, garantizando al menos 10 años a partir de su concesión. Concebido como excepcional, este recurso se convirtió en una regla en el caso de las patentes farmacéuticas, prolongando el plazo de exclusividad de explotación de medicamentos. Esto impacta en el consumo privado y el presupuesto del Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil (SUS). Este trabajo investiga el coste para el SUS de la extensión de vigencia de nueve medicamentos, por estar prohibida la compra de versiones genéricas o biosimilares. Se analizaron tres grupos: (a) cuatro ya en extensión; (b) tres que, si fueran concedidas las patentes, tendrán extensión; y (c) dos con patentes mailbox que son de dominio público, pero pueden contar con una extensión garantizada judicialmente. A partir de valores unitarios, y cantidades totales de compra por parte del Departamento de Logística en Salud del Ministerio de la Salud (DLOG), se estimó un gasto total de BRL 10,6 billones con los nueve medicamentos de 2014 a 2018. De este modo, se proyectó el gasto total en los respectivos períodos de extensión: BRL 6,8 billones. Una búsqueda de mercado con precios de alternativas genéricas arrojó una reducción potencial de BRL 1,2 billón para el gasto del DLOG, con solo cuatro medicamentos. Finalmente, basándose en las reducciones mínimas, medias y máximas del mercado, se encontró un ahorro potencial de hasta BRL 3,9 billones en el gasto del DLOG con la compra de los nueve medicamentos, si no existiera un recurso de extensión de la vigencia.

Conceptos fundamentales de bioequivalencia y biosimilitud en la normativa chilena y controversias sobre intercambiabilidad / Chilean legislation on bioequivalence and biosimilarity and current controversies related to drug interchangeability

Los medicamentos constituyen un bien económico que forma parte del gasto público y privado y de la toma de decisiones en salud. El aseguramiento de su calidad, eficacia y seguridad resulta fundamental. Sin embargo, la variada oferta disponible en el mercado chileno, donde se reconocen productos innovadores y genéricos, constituye un escenario confuso para consumidores y proveedores en salud. En esta revisión pretendemos aclarar los conceptos de fármacos bioequivalentes (aplicable a compuestos de tamaño molecular pequeño) y fármacos biosimilares (para compuestos biológicos de mayor complejidad molecular). En ambos casos, el comportamiento en el organismo del principio activo debe ser demostrado mediante estudios realizados para este fin. Una aplicación directa del concepto de bioequivalencia es la intercambiabilidad, definida como la posibilidad de utilizar un producto de un mismo principio activo, mientras la forma farmacéutica y esquema de dosificación sean iguales. Las normas relativas a esta materia y los organismos públicos encargados, no solo debieran garantizar la seguridad y la eficacia en el intercambio entre productos, sino también aspectos relacionados con el costo, la accesibilidad a los fármacos y la implementación de una guía de homogeneización de conceptos y criterios de intercambiabilidad basados en la evidencia, lo cual impactaría en una mejor educación para los usuarios, reduciendo la asimetría de información entre el usuario y la industria. La importancia de la intercambiabilidad destaca en Chile en el contexto del Plan de Garantías Explícitas en Salud (GES) y la Ley de Protección Financiera para Diagnósticos y Tratamientos de Alto Costo en Salud (Ley Ricarte Soto). Sin embargo, no es posible garantizar que todos los productos alternativos al innovador presentes en el mercado chileno son bioequivalentes. El conocimiento disponible en esta temática puede impactar y contribuir a la toma de decisiones en los prescriptores y usuarios, así como en la elaboración de políticas públicas en torno a los productos farmacéuticos bioequivalentes y biosimilares en nuestro país.

Medicines are an economic good and a fundamental component of public and private health spending and decision-making. Assurance of their quality, efficiency, and safety is essential. In Chile, the wide variety of available drugs, including innovator products, and generics­some of which are certified as bioequivalent, while others are not­creates a potentially confusing scenario for both consumers and health providers. In this review, we intend to shed light on the concepts of bioequivalency (the standard permitting interchangeability for small-molecule drugs) and biosimilarity (the standard permitting interchangeability for biological compounds of greater molecular complexity). In both cases, how the active substance interacts with the host organism must be demonstrated by studies designed and carried out for this purpose. Interchangeability is defined as the possibility of using a product of the same active principle, as long as the pharmaceutical form and dosage scheme are the same. Regulations related to bioequivalence and biosimilarity must not only guarantee safety and efficacy when products are interchanged but also facilitate cost savings and access to medicines. Implementation of evidence-based guidelines that standardize concepts of interchangeability could lead to more educated usage and reduced information asymmetry between patients (users) and industry. Drug interchangeability is particularly relevant in two government health initiatives in Chile: the Explicit Guarantees in Health Care (GES) plan, and the Law on Financial Protection for High-Cost Diagnostics and Treatment in Health Care (also known as the "Ricarte Soto Law"). Nonetheless, it is not possible to guarantee that all alternative drug products on the Chilean market are bioequivalents of the reference product. Synthesis of the available knowledge on bioequivalent and biosimilar pharmaceutical products in Chile could facilitate and contribute to stakeholder decision-making and the development of better health policies.

Terapias biológicas del cáncer: un enfoque a favor de la accesibilidad / Biological cancer therapies: an approach towards accessibility

RESUMEN Los anticuerpos monoclonales son una poderosa herramienta para el diagnóstico de laboratorio y un instrumento cada vez más utilizado en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades, siendo uno de los grupos más importantes de drogas en el tratamiento del cáncer. La revolución en el mundo de los anticuerpos ocurre en 1975 cuando Milstein y Köhler desarrollan la técnica de las hibridomas en Cambridge. Objetivo Hacer una revisión del uso de anticuerpos monoclonales en medicina y, en particular, en el tratamiento del cáncer. Se busca aportar una visión generalizada del concepto de anticuerpo monoclonal para explicar su aplicabilidad terapéutica y abordar un enfoque económico y sociosanitario de la obtención y acceso a las nuevas terapias. Método En la caracterización del fenómeno de investigación se empleó el estudio descriptivo, de recolección de datos documental y la correlación entre las distintas fuentes. Discusión Son aún elevados los costos tanto para el paciente como para los sistemas de salud pública, y se ha de optimizar la valoración costo-efectividad de modo que la rentabilidad y el acceso a tiempo para los pacientes puedan ser compatibles. Se deja abierto el reto del desarrollo de nuevos mAbs dirigidos a nuevas dianas, mejorar el perfil de seguridad, evitando o reduciendo las reacciones adversas inmunes y conseguir el abaratamiento del coste de producción mediante mejoras en la biotecnología.(AU)

ABSTRACT Monoclonal antibodies are a useful tool for laboratory diagnosis and an instrument used in the treatment of various diseases and represent one of the most important groups of new drugs for the treatment of cancer. The revolution in the world occured in 1975 when Milstein and Köhler discovered monoclonal antibodies in Cambridge. Objective To review the use of monoclonal antibodies in medicine and in the treatment of cancer. To provide a generalized vision of the concept of monoclonal antibody to explain its therapeutic applicability, and to approach an economic, health-care approach to obtaining and accessing new therapies. Method In the characterization of the research phenomenon, the descriptive study, the collection of documentary data and the correlation between the different sources were used. Discussion However, the costs for both the patient and the public health systems are still high, and the cost-effectiveness assessment must be optimized so that cost-effectiveness and access to time for patients can be compatible. And the challenge of developing new mAbs aimed at new targets, improving the safety profile, avoiding, or reducing adverse immune reactions and achieving lower production costs through improvements in biotechnology, is left open.(AU)

Análise clínica e econômica de "mundo real" da substituição do medicamento Remicade® (infliximabe referência) por Remsima™ (infliximabe biossimilar) em pacientes com artrite reumatoide, espondilite anquilosante e artrite psoriática / Clinical and economic "real world" analysis of the switching from Remicade® (infliximabe reference) by Remsima™ (infliximab biossimilar) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis

Objetivo: O Planserv oferece cobertura à terapia biológica para as patologias de artrite reumatoide (AR), espondilite anquilosante (EA) e artrite psoriática (AP). Em agosto de 2016, 78 pacientes estavam em uso do medicamento Remicade® (infliximabe). Nessa data, o valor do Remicade® foi reduzido para o mesmo valor do Remsima™ (infliximabe biossimilar). Com isso, todos pacientes que estavam usando o Remicade® trocaram por Remsima™. Conduzimos um estudo para medir a descontinuidade da terapia e a economia. Métodos: Estudo de mundo real (coorte prospectiva), não controlado, em pacientes com AR, AP e EA que estavam utilizando Remicade® e trocaram para Remsima™, entre setembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017. O desfecho primário foi o índice de descontinuidade do tratamento (por qualquer causa). O desfecho secundário foi a taxa de "aumento da atividade da doença", medida por meio dos escores SDAI, BASDAI e CASPAR. Foi considerado como "aumento da atividade da doença" qualquer medida superior à medida inicial e que estivesse acima do limite de remissão da doença. Os valores de referência para "aumento da atividade da doença" foram as medidas históricas. O impacto econômico foi medido por uma análise de custo-minimização. Resultados: Em setembro de 2017, 5 (6%) pacientes que realizaram a troca do Remicade® para o Remsima™, descontinuaram a terapia (4 por falhas e 1 perda de acompanhamento). A taxa de descontinuação de referência (Remicade®) foi de 11% (9% de falha e 2% por perda de acompanhamento). As análises de subgrupo (descontinuidade da terapia por tipo de patologia) foram equivalentes. A taxa de "aumento da atividade da doença" ocorreu em 42% dos pacientes para o Remsima™ e em 46% para o Remicade®. As análises de subgrupo (por tipo de patologia) também demonstraram que as taxas de aumento da atividade da doença foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A análise econômica mostrou que a mudança do Remicade® para o Remsima™ trouxe economia de R$ 1,75 milhão de reais (0,5 milhão de dólares), com 1.689 ampolas de infliximabe dispensadas no período. Conclusão: A troca do medicamento Remicade® pelo Remsima™ nos pacientes com AR, EA e AP, no contexto do Planserv, demonstrou ter sido uma medida segura, eficaz e econômica.

Objective: Planserv offers coverage of biological therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PA). In August 2016, 78 patients were on Remicade® (infliximabe). At this date the value of Remicade® was reduced to the same value as Remsima™ (infliximabe biossimilar), with this all patients who were using Remicade® exchanged for Remsima™. We conducted a study to measure therapy discontinuity, and economics. Methods: An uncontrolled real-world study (prospective cohort) these patients who were using Remicade® and switched to Remsima™ between September 2016 and September 2017. The primary outcome was the discontinuation rate of treatment (for any cause). The secondary outcome was the "increased disease activity" rate as measured by the scores SDAI, BASDAI and CASPAR. It was as "increased disease activity", any measure higher than the initial, and that was above the remission limit of the disease. The reference values for "increased disease activity" were the historical measures. The economic impact measured by a cost minimization analysis. Results: In September 2017, 5 (6%) patients who switched from Remicade® to Remsima™, discontinued therapy (4 due to failure and 1 loss of follow-up). The reference discontinuation rate (Remicade®) was 11% (9% failure and 2% loss of follow-up). Subgroup analyzes (discontinuation of therapy by type of pathology) were equivalent. The rate of "increased disease activity" occurred in 42% of patients for Remsima™, and 46% for Remicade®. Subgroup analyzes (by type of pathology) also showed that rates of increase in disease activity were similar between groups. The economic analysis showed that the change from Remicade® to Remsima™ savings of R $ 1.75 million (US $ 0.5 million), with 1,689 ampoules of infliximabe dispensed in the period. Conclusion: The switching of Remicade® by Remsima™ in patients with RA, SA and PA in the context of Planserv, has been shown to be a safe, effective and economical measure.

Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia

The Asia-Pacific Working Group on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was established in Cebu, Philippines, under the auspices of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology with the goal of improving IBD care in Asia. This consensus is carried out in collaboration with Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis. With biologic agents and biosimilars becoming more established, it is necessary to conduct a review on existing literature and establish a consensus on when and how to introduce biologic agents and biosimilars in the conjunction with conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in Asia. These statements also address how pharmacogenetics influence the treatments of UC and CD and provide guidance on response monitoring and strategies to restore loss of response. Finally, the review includes statements on how to manage treatment alongside possible hepatitis B and tuberculosis infections, both common in Asia. These statements have been prepared and voted upon by members of IBD workgroup employing the modified Delphi process. These statements do not intend to be all-encompassing and future revisions are likely as new data continue to emerge.

Asian Physician's Perspectives on Biosimilars in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Are We Ready to Use? / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Knowledge and Viewpoints on Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies among Asian Physicians: Comparison with European Physicians / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Current knowledge and viewpoints regarding biosimilars among physicians in Asia are unknown, even though these were investigated by European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) members in 2013 and 2015. Thus, this study conducted a multinational survey to assess the awareness of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies among Asian physicians.METHODS: A 17-question multiple-choice anonymous web survey was conducted with the logistic support of the Asian Organization of Crohn's and Colitis (AOCC). Randomly selected AOCC members were invited by e-mail to participate between February 24, 2017 and March 26, 2017.RESULTS: In total, 151 physicians from eight Asian countries responded to the survey. Most of the participants were gastroenterologists (96.6%), and 77.5% had cared for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients for more than 5 years. The majority of the respondents (66.2%) were aware that a biosimilar is similar but not equivalent to the originator. The majority of respondents (77.5%) considered cost saving to be the main advantage of biosimilars, but a high percentage of respondents (38.4%) were concerned about a different immunogenicity from that of the originator (92.4% and 27.1% respectively in ECCO 2015). Only 19.2% considered that the originator and biosimilars were interchangeable, and only 6.0% felt very confident in the use of biosimilars (44.4% and 28.8% respectively in ECCO 2015).CONCLUSIONS: Asian gastroenterologists in 2017 are generally well informed about biosimilars. On the other hand, compared to the ECCO members surveyed in 2015, Asian gastroenterologists had more concerns and less confidence about the use of biosimilars in clinical practice. Thus, IBD-specific data on the comparison of the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in Asian patients are needed.

Intercambialidade de produtos biológicos no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS): principais desafios regulatórios / Interchangeability of biological products in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS): the main regulatory challenges / Intercambiabilidad de productos biológicos en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS): principales desafíos regulatorios

Resumo: Produtos biológicos revolucionaram a terapêutica mundial. O alto custo desses medicamentos, no entanto, ameaça a sustentabilidade dos sistemas de saúde. O desenvolvimento de cópias é tido como uma alternativa econômica, mas devido à complexidade desses produtos, muitos conceitos utilizados para os medicamentos genéricos não se aplicam. A intercambialidade entre produtos biológicos representa um desafio regulatório a ser superado. Este ensaio discute os principais desafios regulatórios relacionados ao estabelecimento de critérios para intercambialidade entre produtos biológicos novos e suas cópias no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), considerando as diretrizes adotadas pelas principais agências reguladoras de medicamentos do mundo sobre a intercambialidade e o arcabouço regulatório vigente no Brasil para esta questão. Preocupações relacionadas à intercambialidade de produtos biológicos incluem substituição automática, nomenclatura, farmacovigilância, imunogenicidade e extrapolação das indicações terapêuticas e dos dados clínicos de produtos biológicos novos para suas cópias. Embora o sucesso clínico e os benefícios econômicos da alternância entre alguns produtos biológicos novos e seus biossimilares já tenham sido observados, a heterogeneidade das barreiras regulatórias para aprovação das cópias de produtos biológicos entre diferentes países deve ser considerada para a regulamentação da intercambialidade de produtos biológicos no Brasil.

Abstract: Biological products have sparked a worldwide therapeutic revolution. However, the high cost of these products threatens health systems' sustainability. The development of copies is considered an economic alternative, but due to the products' complexity, many concepts used in generic drugs do not apply. Interchangeability between biologicals poses a regulatory challenge. This essay discusses the main regulatory challenges for establishing criteria for interchangeability between new biologicals and their copies in the scope of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), considering the guidelines adopted by the world's main drug regulatory agencies concerning interchangeability and the prevailing Brazilian regulatory framework on this issue. Concerns related to the interchangeability of biologicals include automatic substitution, nomenclature, pharmacovigilance, immunogenicity, and extrapolation of therapeutic indications and clinical data from new biologicals to their copies. While the clinical success and economic benefits of switching from new biologicals to their biosimilars have already been observed, the heterogeneity between countries in the regulatory barriers to the approval of copies of biologicals should be taken into consideration during the regulation of interchangeability of biologicals in Brazil.

Resumen: Los productos biológicos revolucionaron la terapéutica mundial. El alto coste de estos medicamentos, no obstante, amenaza la sostenibilidad de los sistemas de salud. El desarrollo de copias se considera como una alternativa económica, pero debido a la complejidad de estos productos, muchos conceptos utilizados para los medicamentos genéricos no se aplican a los mismos. La intercambiabilidad entre productos biológicos representa un desafío regulatorio que se debe superar. Este trabajo discute los principales desafíos regulatorios, relacionados con el establecimiento de criterios para la intercambiabilidad entre productos biológicos nuevos y sus copias en el ámbito del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), considerando las directrices adoptadas por las principales agencias regulatorias de medicamentos del mundo sobre la intercambiabilidad y el armazón regulatorio vigente en Brasil para esta cuestión. Las preocupaciones relacionadas con la intercambiabilidad de productos biológicos incluyen la sustitución automática, nomenclatura, farmacovigilancia, inmunogenicidad y extrapolación de las indicaciones terapéuticas, así como de los datos clínicos de productos biológicos nuevos para sus copias. A pesar de que el éxito clínico y los beneficios económicos de la alternancia entre algunos productos biológicos nuevos y sus biosimilares, ya se han observados, la heterogeneidad de las barreras regulatorias para la aprobación de las copias de productos biológicos entre los diferentes países debe ser considerada para la regulación de la intercambiabilidad de productos biológicos en Brasil.

Avaliação técnico-regulatória dos requisitos de qualidade para registro de medicamentos biológicos e biossimilares humanos: perspectivas e desafios no Brasil / Technical and regulatory evaluation of quality requirements for the registration of human biological and biosimilar drugs: perspectives and challenges in Brazil

Medicamentos biológicos são obtidos a partir de fluidos biológicos ou tecidos de origem animal por procedimentos biotecnológicos e, a partir do vencimento das suas patentes, surge a possibilidade da produção de suas cópias, os chamados biossimilares. Este tema, além de polêmico, por ainda apresentar divergências de entendimento da classe científica, também engloba 4 das 5 classes terapêuticas de medicamentos mais vendidas, e apresenta evolução crescente no mercado farmacêutico. Com o aumento da demanda, cresce o interesse na produção de medicamentos biológicos de alta qualidade, com a mesma eficácia, porém a preços mais baixos. Dessa forma, é possível entender a responsabilidade das regulamentações, principalmente no que diz respeito aos biossimilares, a fim de que eles respeitem os requisitos mínimos necessários para serem comparáveis ao seu medicamento biológico novo. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar questões técnico-regulatórias e os requisitos de qualidade para registro de medicamentos biológicos e biossimilares humanos frente a diferentes Autoridades Sanitárias mundiais. A análise foi baseada em três moléculas biológicas, sendo a clássica heparina e moléculas novas, filgrastim e infliximabe. Foi constatado que na teoria, a legislação brasileira é baseada em regulamentos internacionais, especialmente da Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) e European Medicines Agency (EMA), e que na prática, o Brasil tem se mostrado mais conservador na extrapolação de indicação e na aprovação dos biossimilares. Ainda, foi possível notar que independente do país, as Farmacopeias ainda necessitam de aprimoramento com relação a este tema, pois em sua maioria, não existe padronização dos parâmetros e testes a serem realizados. Pesquisa demonstrou que o conhecimento sobre biossimilares ainda não está consolidado entre profissionais médicos e que, portanto, há necessidade de programas para esclarecimentos, com a finalidade de estimular seu uso, quando possível e com custos mais interessantes

Biological drugs are obtained from biological fluids or animals tissues by biotechnological procedures and, from the expiration of their patents, the possibility of producing their "copies", the so-called biosimilars, arises. In addition to being a controversial subject, as it still presents divergences of understanding by the scientific class, it also encompasses 4 of the 5 therapeutic classes of best-selling drugs, and it presents an increasing evolution in the pharmaceutical market. As demand increases, interest in the production of high-quality biological drugs with the same effectiveness, but at lower prices, also increases. In this way, it is possible to understand the responsibility of regulations, especially with regard to biosimilars, so that they comply with the minimum requirements needed to be comparable to their reference biological medicine. Thus, the objective of this project was to evaluate technical and regulatory topics, as well as quality requirements for the registration of human biological and biosimilar medicines under the perspective of different Health Authorities around the world. The analysis was based on three biological molecules, being the classic heparin and new molecules, filgrastim and infliximab. It was found that in theory, Brazilian regulation is based on international regulations, especially the Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and that in practice, Brazil has been more conservative in the extrapolation of indication and approval of biosimilars. Also, it was possible to note that, regardless the country, Pharmacopoeias still need to be improved for this topic, since in general, there is no standardization of the parameters and tests to be performed. Research showed that the knowledge about biosimilars is not yet consolidated among doctors and that, therefore, there is a need for clarification programs, with the purpose of stimulating their use, when possible and at lower costs

Comparative safety assessments of the biosimilar APZ001 and Erbitux in pre-clinical animal models

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the toxicity of Erbitux as well as its biosimilar APZ001 antibody (APZ001) in pre-clinical animal models including mice, rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys. Methods: We performed analysis of normal behavior activity, autonomic and non-autonomic nervous functions, nervous-muscle functions, nervous excitability and sensorimotor functions on CD-1 mice. Subsequently, we studied that effects of APZ001 and Erbitux on respiratory system, cardiovascular system and kidney in Cynomolgus monkey models and performed local tolerance experiments on New Zealand rabbits. Results: The comparisons between APZ001 and Erbitux showed no significant differences in mice autonomic nervous system, nervous muscle functions, non-autonomic nervous functions, nervous excitability and sensorimotor functions between treated and untreated group (p>0.05). APZ001 and Erbitux showed negative effect on CD-1 mice in the present of pentobarbital sodium anesthesia (p>0.05). Single administrations of high, medium or low doses of APZ001 did not lead to monkey urine volume alterations (p>0.05). In human tissues, APZ001 and Erbitux showed positive signals in endocardium, lung type II alveolar epithelial cell and surrounding vessels, but showed negative results in kidney and liver tissues. No hemolysis phenomenon and serious side-effects in vessels and muscles were observed in rabbits when administrated with APZ001 and Erbitux respectively. Conclusion: The safety comparisons between APZ001 antibody and Erbitux showed that these two antibodies showed highly similarities in mice, rabbits and cynomolgus monkey animal models in consideration of pharmaceutical effects, indicating APZ001 might be a suitable substitute for Erbitux.

Medicamentos biosimilares en Colombia: una revisión desde el consumo informado / Biosimilar Medicines in Colombia: An Approach from the Informed Consumption / Medicamentos biossimilares na Colômbia: uma revisão desde o consumo informado

Resumen Introducción: este artículo presenta un análisis sobre medicamentos biosimilares en Colombia con miras a establecer si existe un consumo informado respecto de estos fármacos, teniendo en cuenta la calidad y cantidad de información que circula en relación con su disponibilidad y acceso económico (precios). Desarrollo: el tipo de estudio es cualitativo con un diseño documental a partir de la revisión en bases de datos como Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Vlex y Redalyc, bases de información de registros sanitarios de agencias reguladoras de medicamentos (FDA, EMA e Invima) y el Sistema de Información de Vademecum Med Informática. Uno de los biosimilares autorizados en FDA y cuatro de la EMA se encuentran registrados en el Invima; sin embargo, son más los biosimilares no autorizados ni en FDA ni en EMA que se encuentran registrados en el Invima, los cuales aún no aparecen con esta clasificación de biosimilares ni en la agencia reguladora colombiana ni en ningún otro medio oficial o comercial. De los medicamentos biológicos de referencia de estos biosimilares, 12 tienen control de precios y 7 han sido autorizados al menos una vez vía judicial a los usuarios del sistema. Conclusiones: si bien, la reglamentación ha sido de gran avance en relación con el acceso a biosimilares y, en consecuencia, a sus biológicos pioneros, el sistema aún tiene barreras jurídicas, de información, disponibilidad y acceso que dificultan la protección y efectividad del derecho a la salud de la población en términos de un consumo informado de estos.

Abstract Introduction: This article presents an analysis of biosimilar drugs in Colombia, aiming at critically analyzing whether the consumption of biosimilar drugs in Colombia is fully informed or if it rather is characterized for its lack of information. Informed consumption in the sense of taking into account the quality and quantity of the information circulating in relation to the availability and affordability (prices) of biosimilar drugs. Development: This is a qualitative documentary analysis, based on the review of databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Vlex and Redalyc, and sanitary databases of drugs regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA and the Colombian Invima) and the Vademecum Med Informatica. One of the biosimilars authorized by FDA and four of those by EMA were also registered before by the Invima. However, the number of Invima authorized biosimilars is higher than that authorized by FDA and EMA. It is also important to highlight the fact that any biosimilar is not registered as such neither before the Invima nor before any other official or commercial source. Out of the biological reference products with biosimilars, twelve have regulated price and seven have been authorized at least once via court ruling. Conclusions: Although the regulations are progressive in relation to the access to biosimilars and, consequently, to their biological pioneers, the system still has legal, availability and information barriers that undermine the protection and effectiveness of the right to health.

Resumo Introdução: este artigo apresenta uma análise sobre medicamentos biossimilares na Colômbia com vista a estabelecer se existe um consumo informado respeito destes fármacos, tendo em conta a qualidade e quantidade de informação que circula em relação com a sua disponibilidade e acesso econômico (preços). Desenvolvimento: o tipo de estudo é qualitativo com um desenho documental a partir da revisão em bases de dados como Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Vlex e Redalyc, bases de informação de registros sanitários de agências reguladoras de medicamentos (FDA, EMA e Invima) e o Sistema de Informação de Vademecum Med Informática. Um dos biossimilares autorizados em FDA e 4 da EMA, se encontram registrados no Invima, no entanto são mais os biossimilares não autorizados nem na FDA nem na EMA que se encontram registrados no Invima, os quais ainda não aparecem com esta classificação de biossimilares nem na agência reguladora colombiana, nem em nenhum outro meio oficial ou comercial. Dos medicamentos biológicos de referência destes biossimilares, 12 têm controle de preços e 7 têm sido autorizados pelo menos uma vez via judicial aos usuários do sistema. Conclusões: se bem a regulamentação tem sido de grande avanço em relação com o acesso a biossimilares e, consequentemente, a seus biológicos pioneiros, o sistema ainda tem barreiras jurídicas, de informação, disponibilidade e acesso que dificultam a proteção e efetividade do direito à saúde da população em termos de um consumo informado dos mesmos.

Biosimilares: consenso de expertos de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Psoriasis (SOLAPSO) en Argentina / Biosimilars: Expert consensus of the Latin American Society of Psoriasis (SOLAPSO) in Argentina

Con la aparición de los tratamientos biológicos, se ha modificado la terapéutica de muchas enfermedades, en especial las reumatológicas, dermatológicas y oncológicas. Debido al alto costo de estos productos y el vencimiento de las patentes, la industria farmacológica desarrolla los biosimilares, fármacos que son una versión (copia) de la sustancia de un medicamento biológico original, y que pueden facilitar el acceso a estos tratamientos. Son elaborados de acuerdo a exigencias específicas de organismos reguladores en cuanto a calidad, eficacia y seguridad, y debe demostrarse que son comparables al medicamento de referencia. Este trabajo revisa las normativas regulatorias internacionales y nacionales, las controversias que rodean a los biosimilares y presenta la posición de un grupo de expertos con respecto al uso de biosimilares.

With the appearance of biological treatments, therapeutics has changed in many rheumatological, dermatological and oncological diseases. Due to the high cost of these biological medicaments and the expiration of patents, the pharmacological industry develops biosimilars, drugs that are a version (copy) of the substance of the original biological medicine, with the aim of facilitating access to these treatments. These biosimilars are prepared according to the specific requirements of regulatory bodies in terms of quality, efficacy and safety, and must be shown they are comparable to the reference product. This paper reviews the international and national regulatory framework, the controversies surrounding biosimilars, and presents the position of a group of experts regarding the use of biosimilars.

Biosimilar Filgrastim for Progenitor-Cell Mobilization prior to Autologous Transplantation: Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Lymphomas / Filgrastim Biossimilar para Mobilização de Células Progenitoras antes do Transplante Autólogo: Análise Retrospectiva de Pacientes com Mieloma Múltiplo e Linfomas / Filgrastim Biosimilar para la Movilización de Células Progenitoras antes del Trasplante Autólogo: Análisis Retrospectivo de Pacientes con Mieloma Múltiple y Linfomas

Introduction: Filgrastim, which plays a key role in peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) harvesting, has been available for nearly 25 years, and several filgrastim biosimilars are available. Objective: We assessed whether a biosimilar filgrastim (Filgrastine®) was associated with effective mobilization in patients undergoing PBPC collection for autologous transplantation. Method: We reviewed the charts of patients with multiple myeloma and lymphomas treated at three institutions in Brazil. The primary outcome (mobilization success rate, MSR) was the proportion of patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) group in whom at least 2 x 106 CD34+cells/Kg were harvested by leukapheresis on days 5 and/or 6. The per-protocol (PP) group comprised patients who received at least 4 days of Filgrastine and had at least one CD34+ count on days 5 or 6. Results: The daily dose of Filgrastine (on D1, with few changes thereafter) ranged from 8.5 to 28.9 mcg/Kg in the 52 patients in the ITT group, with a median of 13.8 mcg/Kg; 51 patients received at least four doses. A mean of 2.84±1.97 x 106 CD34+cells/Kg were harvested. MSR was 53.9% (95%CI, 39.5%-67.8%) in the ITT group and 62.2% (95%CI, 46.5%-76.2%) in the 45 patients in the PP group. Mobilization was considered effective by investigators in 80.8% of patients in the ITT group and 88.9% of those in the PP group. Conclusion: Despite the study's observational design, the results suggest that Filgrastine® is associated with the expected success rates in PBPC collection for autologous transplantation.

Introdução: O filgrastim, que desempenha um papel fundamental na coleta de células progenitoras de sangue periférico (CPSP), está disponível há quase 25 anos, e existem vários biossimilares de filgrastim sendo comercializados. Objetivo: Avaliar se um filgrastim biossimilar (Filgrastine®) foi associado com mobilização efetiva em pacientes submetidos à coleta de CPSP para transplante autólogo de medula óssea. Método: Foram revisados os prontuários de pacientes com mieloma múltiplo e linfomas tratados em três instituições no Brasil. O desfecho primário (taxa de sucesso de mobilização) foi a proporção de pacientes na população intenção de tratar (ITT), em que pelo menos 2 x 106 células CD34+/kg foram coletadas por leucaférese nos dias 5 e/ou 6. A população per protocolo (PP) foi composta por pacientes que receberam pelo menos quatro dias de Filgrastine e tiveram pelo menos uma contagem de CD34+ nos dias 5 ou 6. Resultados: A dose diária de Filgrastine (no D1, com pequenas alterações subsequentes) variou de 8,5 a 28,9 mcg/Kg nos 52pacientes na população ITT, com uma mediana de 13,8 mcg/Kg; 51 pacientes receberam pelo menos quatro doses. Uma média de 2,84±1,97 x 106 células CD34+/kg foram coletadas. A taxa de sucesso de mobilização foi de 53,9% (IC 95%, 39,5% a 67,8%) na população ITT e 62,2% (IC 95%, 46,5% a 76,2%) nos 45 pacientes da população PP. A mobilização foi considerada efetiva pelos pesquisadores em 80,8% dos pacientes da população ITT e 88,9% daqueles na população PP. Conclusão: Apesar de sua natureza observacional, este estudo sugere que Filgrastine esteja associado com as taxas de sucesso esperadas na coleta de CPSP para transplante autólogo de medula óssea.

Introducción: El filgrastim, que desempeña un papel fundamental en la colecta de células progenitoras de sangre periférica (CPSP), está disponible desde hace casi 25 años y existen varios biosimilares de filgrastim siendo comercializados. Objetivo: Se evaluó si un filgrastim biosimilar (Filgrastine®) se asoció con una movilización efectiva en pacientes sometidos a la colecta de CPSP para el trasplante autólogo de médula ósea. Método: Se revisaron los prontuarios de pacientes con mieloma múltiple y linfomas tratados en tres instituciones en Brasil. El resultado primario (tasa de éxito de movilización) fue la proporción de pacientes en la población intención de tratar (ITT) en que al menos 2 x 106 células CD34+/kg fueron obtenidas por leucoféresis en los días 5 y/o 6. La población por protocolo (PP) fue compuesta por pacientes que recibieron por lo menos 4 días de Filgrastine y tuvieron al menos un recuento de CD34 + en los días 5 o 6. Resultados: La dosis diaria de Filgrastine (en el D1, con pequeños cambios subsiguientes) varió de 8, 5 a 28,9 mcg/Kg en los 52 pacientes en la población ITT, con una mediana de 13,8 mcg / Kg; 51 pacientes recibieron al menos cuatro dosis. Se obtuvo una media de 2,84±1,97 x 106 células CD34+/kg. La tasa de éxito de movilización fue del 53,9% (IC 95%, 39,5% a 67,8%) en la población ITT y el 62,2% (IC 95%, 46,5% a 76,2%), en los 45 pacientes de la población PP. La movilización fue considerada efectiva por los investigadores en el 80,8% de los pacientes de la población ITT y el 88,9% de aquellos en la población PP. Conclusión: A pesar de su naturaleza observacional, este estudio sugiere que Filgrastine está asociado con las tasas de éxito esperadas en la recolección de CPSP para trasplante autólogo de médula ósea.

The use of biosimilar medicines in oncology - position statement of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC)

A biosimilar is a biologic product that is similar to a reference biopharmaceutical product, the manufacturing process of which hinders the ability to identically replicate the structure of the original product, and therefore, it cannot be described as an absolute equivalent of the original medication. The currently available technology does not allow for an accurate copy of complex molecules, but it does allow the replication of similar molecules with the same activity. As biosimilars are about to be introduced in oncology practice, these must be evaluated through evidence-based medicine. This manuscript is a position paper, where the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC) aims to describe pertinent issues regarding the approval and use of biosimilars in oncology. As a working group on behalf of SBOC, we discuss aspects related to definition, labeling/nomenclature, extrapolation, interchangeability, switching, automatic substitution, clinical standards on safety and efficacy, and the potential impact on financial burden in healthcare. We take a stand in favor of the introduction of biosimilars, as they offer a viable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to the biopharmaceutical products currently used in cancer. We hope this document can provide valuable information to support therapeutic decisions that maximize the clinical benefit for the thousands of cancer patients in Brazil and can contribute to expedite the introduction of this new drug class in clinical practice. We expect the conveyed information to serve as a basis for further discussion in Latin America, this being the first position paper issued by a Latin American Oncology Society.