An Understanding of Biologics & Biosimilars

Transcription

1 An Understanding of Biologics & Biosimilars Emily Alexander Director, Regional Lead, U.S. Regulatory Affairs, AbbVie Hayden Rhudy Director, Therapeutic Area Strategies, AbbVie

2 QUESTIONS? To ask a question or make a comment, please type it in the Questions box on the right of your screen

3 Agenda Overview of Biologics Introduction to Biosimilars Open Policy Questions Related to Biosimilars Q&A 3

4 Biologics Are Far More Complex Than Conventional Medicines Conventional drugs (small-molecule, chemically synthesized medicines) Biologics (large molecule medicines) Monoclonal Antibody Aspirin 180 Daltons and Zero Amino Acids 148,000 Daltons and 1,330 Amino Acids Small, simple molecules Often tablets or creams Made through simple chemical reactions Large, complex molecules Often injected or infused Grown in living organisms 4

5 Examples of Biologics Vaccines Human growth hormones Interferons Thrombolytics (Clot Busters ) Insulins Botulinum toxins Monoclonal antibodies And many more! Biologics treat a wide array of conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, spasticity, psoriasis, cystic fibrosis, respiratory virus Hundreds of biologics are in development to treat areas of unmet medical needs, including Alzheimer s disease 5

6 How are biologics different from small molecules? 6

7 Generic Copy of Small-Molecule Medicine: SAMENESS Small molecule medicines have simple structures and are made through relatively simple manufacturing processes (that aren t sensitive to changes) Identical copy can be made by unrelated manufacturers (i.e., a generic copy); approved on basis of sameness Generic will have identical clinical effect in any indication (or disease) Automatic substitution at pharmacy results 7

8 Biosimilar Copy of Biologic: SIMILARITY Biologics have large, complex structures and are made through complex manufacturing processes (that are very sensitive to small changes) Only a similar version can be created; impossible for an identical copy to be made May have small differences in clinical effect; approval of all indications is not automatic Automatic substitution is not typically allowed for biologics; requires a higher standard of evidence in the United States 8

9 U.S. Biosimilar Regulation Generics have been on the market in the U.S. for many decades; most policy decisions are relatively settled Policymakers recognized the need for a separate pathway for biosimilars from generics because of the different policy questions posed by a product that is similar but not the same FDA did not have authority to approve biosimilars until March 2010, when Congress enacted the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act To date, no biosimilars have been approved (but several applications are pending) This new type of product and new approval standard (similarity) raises many new policy questions that will impact patients, regulators, physicians, pharmacists, and many others! 9

10 Important Policy Issues for Individuals living with Spinal Cord Injuries/Disorders Interchangeability: This year, the FDA will be deciding what standards must be met for a biosimilar medicine to be determined interchangeable with the original biologic medicine. Rigorous Testing for Each Condition: The FDA will be determining whether drug companies must conduct rigorous clinical testing to prove that a biosimilar works in each and every condition Naming: The FDA will decide whether biosimilars will have the same name as their reference product. Substitution/Notification: State legislation has been proposed to regulate the substitution of biosimilars with the reference product. 10

11 Request to Congress: Call to Action Please hold oversight hearings on this important process and urge the FDA to release clear guidance as soon as possible that ensure patient safety, patient access to the right biologic medicines, patient choice and full transparency. Choice should be at the center of any decision to substitute or switch therapies and should only be decided by the consumer and provider. Consumer choice needs to be preserved and regulatory decisions must be based on sound science. Biosimilar regulations must put consumer safety first. Policymakers and regulators must address appropriate consumer safety and efficacy concerns as they relate to decisions around interchangeability, clinical indications, labeling, naming and substitution. Particular attention must be given to assure that rigorous clinical testing proves that a biosimilar works safely in each and every condition or disease for which it is approved to be prescribed, as well as in each distinct group of individuals with that disease. Ensure pharmacists maintain records of substitutions for significant periods of time would allow the medical community to track long-term treatment outcomes of biosimilars.

12 Roll on Capitol Hill, 2015 June 7-10, 2015 Over 100 advocates participate from across the country for over 200 scheduled meetings with Members of Congress and Congressional staffers to advocate on healthcare, transportation, and disability rights issues that impact access, mobility and independence of all those impacted by spinal cord injuries and disorders. Sunday June 7: Arrival and Welcome Reception Monday June 8: Education Sessions, Speaker Panels and Presentations, Advocacy Training Tuesday June 9: Capitol Hill Meetings followed by Congressional Awards Reception Wednesday June 10: Advocate Recognition Breakfast /

13 THANK YOU QUESTIONS? To ask a question or make a comment, please type it in the Questions box on the right of your screen abennewith@unitedspinal.org