sandoz

Sandoz psoriasis biosimilar tops reference product Humira in latest Phase 3 data

pharmafile | September 15, 2017 | News story | Medical Communications, Research and Development AbbVie, Humira, Novartis, Sandoz, adalimumab, biosimilar, biosimilars, pharma, pharmaceutical 

Sandoz, the biologics and generics division of Novartis, has unveiled new Phase 3 data confirming the efficacy and safety profile of its biosimilar adalimumab is on par with its reference product, Abbvie’s Humira – currently the world’s best-selling drug.

The data is drawn from a 51 week-long study which showed that biosimilar adalimumab was able to match the performance of Humira in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. In particular, using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75, the biosimilar generated response rates of 75.2% at week 17 and 84.5% at week 51. By comparison, Humira achieved rates of 67.8% and 79.6% at the same milestones.

“Today’s clinical data demonstrates equal efficacy and safety of biosimilar adalimumab to its originator medicine in moderate-to-severe psoriasis,” commented Tim de Gavre, Country Head of Sandoz UK. “Biosimilars have real potential to expand patient access to effective treatments, while providing the NHS with essential cost savings. This opportunity has recently been recognised by NHS England; new plans could see an enhanced uptake of biosimilar alternatives to some of the most expensive medicines, providing potential savings in excess of £300 million each year from the medicines bill. Today’s news reaffirms Sandoz’s leadership in the biosimilars field and strengthens our commitment to the research and development of efficacious, cost-effective biosimilar medicines.”

The news could spell great things for Sandoz and Novartis, who plan to launch adalimumab and four other biosimilars to market by 2020.

Matt Fellows

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