Back to Journals » Biologics: Targets and Therapy » Volume 12
Focus on biosimilar etanercept – bioequivalence and interchangeability
Received 10 May 2018
Accepted for publication 24 July 2018
Published 30 August 2018 Volume 2018:12 Pages 87—95
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S126854
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Cristina Weinberg
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Doris Benbrook
Fabrizio Cantini,1 Maurizio Benucci2
1Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy; 2Rheumatology Unit, Hospital S. Giovanni di Dio, Florence, Italy
Background: The recent approval of reference etanercept (re-ETN) biosimilars SB4, GP2015, and HD203 produced relevant changes in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis due to the considerably lower cost of these products and the consequent savings.
Aims: To review the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of ETN biosimilars when employed as first-line therapy or after transition from re-ETN. Patients’ acceptability was also addressed.
Evidence review: The available literature was reviewed through a search of PubMed database, and abstract books of the American College for Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism annual meetings. SB4, GP2015, and HD203 were licensed by the US, European and South Korea regulatory agencies after the bioequivalence to re-ETN was demonstrated through pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies, and randomized, head to head, controlled trials. Based on the evidence of efficacy and safety of SB4 and HD203 in RA, and of GP2015 in psoriasis, by the extrapolation principle, the three biosimilars were approved for all indications licensed for re-ETN, and the regulatory agencies introduced the interchangeability from the originator to the biosimilar. Extrapolation of indications, and particularly interchangeability raised relevant concerns among the rheumatologists due to the low level of evidence supporting the switching strategy (or transition). Rheumatologists’ concerns are oriented toward the relevant number of biosimilar discontinuations after the transition ranging from 7%–17% over a short-term follow-up period. As resulted from two studies, at least 20%–30% of the patients claimed more exhaustive information on the switching procedure.
Conclusion: Based on the available evidence, re-ETN biosimilars may be a good option as first-line therapy, while further data are needed to definitively establish the efficacy, safety, and the economic reflexes of transitioning from re-ETN.
Keywords: biosimilars, SB4, GP205, HD203, interchangeability, rheumatic diseases
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