British Biosimilars Association launches in UK
pharmafile | April 18, 2016 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | ABPI, Napp, bba, bgma, british biosimilars association
A new industry body, the British Biosimilars Association, has been formally launched today with the sole focus of increasing the understanding and use of biosimilar medicines in the UK.
Forming a sector group of the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) which exclusively focuses on biosimilar medicines, the body will focus on ensuring that patients can benefit from access to these potentially lifesaving medicines to the same extent that they do in elsewhere in Europe. A biosimilar medicine is manufactured to be similar to an existing licensed “reference” biological medicine after expiry of its patent, with no meaningful differences in terms of quality, safety or efficacy.
The UK currently lags behind other European countries in the take-up of biosimilar medicines. They are currently seven major biosimilar molecules on the market. This is, however, due to increase due to several factors, including supportive guidance from NICE, patent expiries and increasing clinical awareness and knowledge.
Keith Ridge, NHS England’s chief pharmaceutical officer, says: “We very much welcome the creation of the British Biosimilars Association with its clear focus on providing information about these vitally important medicines. Biosimilar medicines have enormous potential to deliver increased patient access as well as savings to the NHS which can be reinvested elsewhere.”
Tim de Gavre, chair of the BBA, comments: “Our role through the BBA is to promote the benefits of these medicines to patients’ representatives, healthcare professionals, regulators and payers, to increase understanding and to drive a sustainable environment for the development, production and continuing optimised use of biosimilar medicines across the UK.”
Andrew Roberts, vice-chair, adds: “Biosimilar medicines are an example of where we can see the future developing already. However, in order for them to full realise their potential from a patient benefit and savings perspective, policy makers and clinicians need to understand and reflect these developments in their decision making. Without this, the UK risks falling behind the rest of Europe in gaining access to these vital medicines.”
Reaction within the pharmaceutical industry was positive. Dr Paul Schofield, medical director at Napp Pharmaceuticals, says: “We warmly welcome the launch of the BBA. Its creation is an important step towards increasing awareness and use of high quality biosimilar medicines.”
Sean Murray
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