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Saturday, 11 October 2025

Biosimilar products

 Biosimilars definition

EU definition of Biosimilar "A biosimilar is a biological medicine that is highly similar to another biological medicine already approved in the EU (called 'reference medicine') in terms of structure, biological activity and efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity profile (the intrinsic ability of proteins and other biological medicines to cause an immune response).

Biosimilars are called Follow-on biologics, BIOSIMILARS, similar biological medicinal products, follow-on protein products, BIOGENERICS, and biologics, or BIOPHARMACEUTICALS.

Biosimilars and Generics differences

Biological products are very similar to reference biologics but not identical. Generics, on the other hand, are chemically synthesized and hence have identical medicinal ingredients compared to reference products.

Biological products are large, complicated, relatively unstable molecules that are often mixtures of different isoforms with a complex production and purification process, while generics are smaller, stable molecules that are easier to manufacture.

Safety concerns for biologicals often concern infections, malignancies, and reactions related to immunological events. Safety concerns for small molecules are known to be often related to the classes ‘Cardiac disorders’, ‘Hepatobiliary disorders’, ‘Blood and lymphatic system disorders’, and ‘Nervous system disorders’.

Switching or substituting a biosimilar is more complicated than switching or substituting simple generic molecules since this could involve a change in product and device, leading to safety concerns during administration (device design is also proprietary). With simple generics, switching is easier and may only require patient education on changes in appearance.

Biosimilars regulations

USA

        Analytical evidence that is comparable to the source, animal studies, clinical research and the identification of the mechanism of action

        Guidance v 351 (k)

INDIA

        Studies on biological activity, clinical research, preclinical research and immunogenicity

        Guidance CDSCO

EU

        

        Clinical investigations, preclinical research, biological activity, purity, physiochemical characteristics and studies on immunogenicity

        Guidance

v CHMP/437/04

v EMEA/CHMP/BWP/49348/2005

v EMEA/CHMP/BMWP/403

 

Biosimilars advantages

        Affordability

        Accessibility

        Less cost than reference biologics

        Lower costs of development

 

Biosimilars and PV

Data Sources

        Specialized (hospital) setting

        Patient and disease specific Registries

        Randomized clinical trials

        Switch therapy information

        Batch number information

         

ICSR

        Complex adverse events & immunological events may arise from minor variations in structure, such as glycosylation

        Difficulty in the establishment of a causal association

        Dosing & administration issues

        Drug-device combination safety

        Causality – class & compound effects

        Onset time, previous therapy, life-threatening & chronic illnesses

         

RMM & aRMM

        Additional risk minimization measures may be required apart from those for the reference product.

        Prospective surveillance registries

        Post-approval pharmacoepidemiologic studies and PASS

        Randomized clinical trials

        Targeted follow-up questionnaire

        Educational materials for HCPs

        Medication guide for patients,

         

 

Written by:

Dr.Shraddha Bhange.

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References

 

 Biosimilar medicines: Overview | European Medicines Agency (EMA)

What are biosimilars? | Biosimilar Basics | Biosimilars Council

Biosimilar vs. Generic: The 4 Core Differences (and Similarities) - GoodRx

Pharmacovigilance of biosimilars – Why is it different from generics and innovator biologics? - PMC

Frontiers in nonclinical drug development: biosimilars - PubMed

Safety considerations of biosimilars - Australian Prescriber


 

 

 

 

 

 


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