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Posts Tagged ‘Pharmaceuticals’

Curator/Reporter: Aviral Vatsa PhD MBBS

This post is in the second part of the reviews that focuses on the current status of drug delivery to bone and the issues facing this field. The first part can be accessed here

Annual treatment costs for musculoskeletal diseases in the US are roughly 7.7% (~ $849 billion) of total gross domestic product. Such disorders are the main cause of physical disability in US. Almost half of all chronic conditions in people can be attributed to bone and joint disorders. In addition there is increasing ageing population and associated increases in osteoporosis and other diseases, rising incidences of degenerative intervertebral disk diseases and numbers of revision orthopedic arthroplasty surgeries, and increases in spinal fusions. All these factors contribute towards the increasing requirement of bone regeneration and reconstruction methods and products. Delivery of therapeutic grade products to bone has various challenges. Parenteral administration limits the efficient delivery of drugs to the required site of injury and local delivery methods are often expensive and invasive. The theme issue of Advance Drug Delivery reviews focuses on the current status of drug delivery to bone and the issues facing this field. Here is the second part of these reviews and research articles.

1. Targeting polymer therapeutics to bone [1]

Abstract

An aging population in the developing world has led to an increase in musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and bone metastases. Left untreated many bone diseases cause debilitating pain and in the case of cancer, death. Many potential drugs are effective in treating diseases but result in side effects preventing their efficacy in the clinic. Bone, however, provides a unique environment of inorganic solids, which can be exploited in order to effectively target drugs to diseased tissue. By integration of bone targeting moieties to drug-carrying water-soluble polymers, the payload to diseased area can be increased while side effects decreased. The realization of clinically relevant bone targeted polymer therapeutics depends on (1) understanding bone targeting moiety interactions, (2) development of controlled drug delivery systems, as well as (3) understanding drug interactions. The latter makes it possible to develop bone targeted synergistic drug delivery systems.


2. Development of macromolecular prodrug for rheumatoid arthritis [2]

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is considered to be one of the major public health problems worldwide. The development of therapies that target tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and co-stimulatory pathways that regulate the immune system have revolutionized the care of patients with RA. Despite these advances, many patients continue to experience symptomatic and functional impairment. To address this issue, more recent therapies that have been developed are designed to target intracellular signaling pathways involved in immunoregulation. Though this approach has been encouraging, there have been major challenges with respect to off-target organ side effects and systemic toxicities related to the widespread distribution of these signaling pathways in multiple cell types and tissues. These limitations have led to an increasing interest in the development of strategies for the macromolecularization of anti-rheumatic drugs, which could target them to the inflamed joints. This approach enhances the efficacy of the therapeutic agent with respect to synovial inflammation, while markedly reducing non-target organ adverse side effects. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive overview of the rational design and optimization of macromolecular prodrugs for treatment of RA. The superior and the sustained efficacy of the prodrug may be partially attributed to their Extravasation through Leaky Vasculature and subsequent Inflammatory cell-mediated Sequestration (ELVIS) in the arthritic joints. This biologic process provides a plausible mechanism, by which macromolecular prodrugs preferentially target arthritic joints and illustrates the potential benefits of applying this therapeutic strategy to the treatment of other inflammatory diseases.

 

3. Peptide-based delivery to bone [3]

Abstract

Peptides are attractive as novel therapeutic reagents, since they are flexible in adopting and mimicking the local structural features of proteins. Versatile capabilities to perform organic synthetic manipulations are another unique feature of peptides compared to protein-based medicines, such as antibodies. On the other hand, a disadvantage of using a peptide for a therapeutic purpose is its low stability and/or high level of aggregation. During the past two decades, numerous peptides were developed for the treatment of bone diseases, and some peptides have already been used for local applications to repair bone defects in the clinic. However, very few peptides have the ability to form bone themselves. We herein summarize the effects of the therapeutic peptides on bone loss and/or local bone defects, including the results from basic studies. We also herein describe some possible methods for overcoming the obstacles associated with using therapeutic peptide candidates.


4. Growth factor delivery: How surface interactions modulate release in vitro and in vivo [4]

Abstract

Biomaterial scaffolds have been extensively used to deliver growth factors to induce new bone formation. The pharmacokinetics of growth factor delivery has been a critical regulator of their clinical success. This review will focus on the surface interactions that control the non-covalent incorporation of growth factors into scaffolds and the mechanisms that control growth factor release from clinically relevant biomaterials. We will focus on the delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 from materials currently used in the clinical practice, but also suggest how general mechanisms that control growth factor incorporation and release delineated with this growth factor could extend to other systems. A better understanding of the changing mechanisms that control growth factor release during the different stages of preclinical development could instruct the development of future scaffolds for currently untreatable injuries and diseases.


5. Biomaterial delivery of morphogens to mimic the natural healing cascade in bone[5]

Abstract

Complications in treatment of large bone defects using bone grafting still remain. Our understanding of the endogenous bone regeneration cascade has inspired the exploration of a wide variety of growth factors (GFs) in an effort to mimic the natural signaling that controls bone healing. Biomaterial-based delivery of single exogenous GFs has shown therapeutic efficacy, and this likely relates to its ability to recruit and promote replication of cells involved in tissue development and the healing process. However, as the natural bone healing cascade involves the action of multiple factors, each acting in a specific spatiotemporal pattern, strategies aiming to mimic the critical aspects of this process will likely benefit from the usage of multiple therapeutic agents. This article reviews the current status of approaches to deliver single GFs, as well as ongoing efforts to develop sophisticated delivery platforms to deliver multiple lineage-directing morphogens (multiple GFs) during bone healing.

6. Studies of bone morphogenetic protein-based surgical repair[6]

Abstract

Over the past several decades, recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) have been the most extensively studied and widely used osteoinductive agents for clinical bone repair. Since rhBMP-2 and rhBMP-7 were cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for certain clinical uses, millions of patients worldwide have been treated with rhBMPs for various musculoskeletal disorders. Current clinical applications include treatment of long bone fracture non-unions, spinal surgeries, and oral maxillofacial surgeries. Considering the growing number of recent publications related to clincal research of rhBMPs, there exists enormous promise for these proteins to be used in bone regenerative medicine. The authors take this opportunity to review the rhBMP literature paying specific attention to the current applications of rhBMPs in bone repair and spine surgery. The prospective future of rhBMPs delivered in combination with tissue engineered scaffolds is also reviewed.


7. Strategies for controlled delivery of growth factors and cells for bone regeneration[7]

Abstract

The controlled delivery of growth factors and cells within biomaterial carriers can enhance and accelerate functional bone formation. The carrier system can be designed with pre-programmed release kinetics to deliver bioactive molecules in a localized, spatiotemporal manner most similar to the natural wound healing process. The carrier can also act as an extracellular matrix-mimicking substrate for promoting osteoprogenitor cellular infiltration and proliferation for integrative tissue repair. This review discusses the role of various regenerative factors involved in bone healing and their appropriate combinations with different delivery systems for augmenting bone regeneration. The general requirements of protein, cell and gene therapy are described, with elaboration on how the selection of materials, configurations and processing affects growth factor and cell delivery and regenerative efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo applications for bone tissue engineering.

8. Bone repair cells for craniofacial regeneration[8]

Abstract

Reconstruction of complex craniofacial deformities is a clinical challenge in situations of injury, congenital defects or disease. The use of cell-based therapies represents one of the most advanced methods for enhancing the regenerative response for craniofacial wound healing. Both somatic and stem cells have been adopted in the treatment of complex osseous defects and advances have been made in finding the most adequate scaffold for the delivery of cell therapies in human regenerative medicine. As an example of such approaches for clinical application for craniofacial regeneration, Ixmyelocel-T or bone repair cells are a source of bone marrow derived stem and progenitor cells. They are produced through the use of single pass perfusion bioreactors for CD90+ mesenchymal stem cells and CD14+ monocyte/macrophage progenitor cells. The application of ixmyelocel-T has shown potential in the regeneration of muscular, vascular, nervous and osseous tissue. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight cell therapies used to repair bony and soft tissue defects in the oral and craniofacial complex. The field at this point remains at an early stage, however this review will provide insights into the progress being made using cell therapies for eventual development into clinical practice.


9. Gene therapy approaches to regenerating bone[9]

Abstract

Bone formation and regeneration therapies continue to require optimization and improvement because many skeletal disorders remain undertreated. Clinical solutions to nonunion fractures and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, for example, remain suboptimal and better therapeutic approaches must be created. The widespread use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) for spine fusion was recently questioned by a series of reports in a special issue of The Spine Journal, which elucidated the side effects and complications of direct rhBMP treatments. Gene therapy – both direct (in vivo) and cell-mediated (ex vivo) – has long been studied extensively to provide much needed improvements in bone regeneration. In this article, we review recent advances in gene therapy research whose aims are in vivo or ex vivo bone regeneration or formation. We examine appropriate vectors, safety issues, and rates of bone formation. The use of animal models and their relevance for translation of research results to the clinical setting are also discussed in order to provide the reader with a critical view. Finally, we elucidate the main challenges and hurdles faced by gene therapy aimed at bone regeneration as well as expected future trends in this field.

10. Gene delivery to bone[10]

Abstract

Gene delivery to bone is useful both as an experimental tool and as a potential therapeutic strategy. Among its advantages over protein delivery are the potential for directed, sustained and regulated expression of authentically processed, nascent proteins. Although no clinical trials have been initiated, there is a substantial pre-clinical literature documenting the successful transfer of genes to bone, and their intraosseous expression. Recombinant vectors derived from adenovirus, retrovirus and lentivirus, as well as non-viral vectors, have been used for this purpose. Both ex vivo and in vivo strategies, including gene-activated matrices, have been explored. Ex vivo delivery has often employed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), partly because of their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts. MSCs also have the potential to home to bone after systemic administration, which could serve as a useful way to deliver transgenes in a disseminated fashion for the treatment of diseases affecting the whole skeleton, such as osteoporosis orosteogenesis imperfecta. Local delivery of osteogenic transgenes, particularly those encoding bone morphogenetic proteins, has shown great promise in a number of applications where it is necessary to regenerate bone. These include healing large segmental defects in long bones and the cranium, as well as spinal fusion and treating avascular necrosis.

11. RNA therapeutics targeting osteoclast-mediated excessive bone resorption[11]

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing technique developed with dramatically increasing utility for both scientific and therapeutic purposes. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) is currently exploited to regulate protein expression relevant to many therapeutic applications, and commonly used as a tool for elucidating disease-associated genes. Osteoporosis and their associated osteoporotic fragility fractures in both men and women are rapidly becoming a global healthcare crisis as average life expectancy increases worldwide. New therapeutics are needed for this increasing patient population. This review describes the diversity of molecular targets suitable for RNAi-based gene knock down in osteoclasts to control osteoclast-mediated excessive bone resorption. We identify strategies for developing targeted siRNA delivery and efficient gene silencing, and describe opportunities and challenges of introducing siRNA as a therapeutic approach to hard and connective tissue disorders.

Bibliography

[1] S. A. Low and J. Kopeček, “Targeting polymer therapeutics to bone,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1189–1204, Sep. 2012.

[2] F. Yuan, L. Quan, L. Cui, S. R. Goldring, and D. Wang, “Development of macromolecular prodrug for rheumatoid arthritis,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1205–1219, Sep. 2012.

[3] K. Aoki, N. Alles, N. Soysa, and K. Ohya, “Peptide-based delivery to bone,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1220–1238, Sep. 2012.

[4] W. J. King and P. H. Krebsbach, “Growth factor delivery: How surface interactions modulate release in vitro and in vivo,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1239–1256, Sep. 2012.

[5] M. Mehta, K. Schmidt-Bleek, G. N. Duda, and D. J. Mooney, “Biomaterial delivery of morphogens to mimic the natural healing cascade in bone,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1257–1276, Sep. 2012.

[6] K. W.-H. Lo, B. D. Ulery, K. M. Ashe, and C. T. Laurencin, “Studies of bone morphogenetic protein-based surgical repair,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1277–1291, Sep. 2012.

[7] T. N. Vo, F. K. Kasper, and A. G. Mikos, “Strategies for controlled delivery of growth factors and cells for bone regeneration,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1292–1309, Sep. 2012.

[8] G. Pagni, D. Kaigler, G. Rasperini, G. Avila-Ortiz, R. Bartel, and W. V. Giannobile, “Bone repair cells for craniofacial regeneration,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1310–1319, Sep. 2012.

[9] N. Kimelman Bleich, I. Kallai, J. R. Lieberman, E. M. Schwarz, G. Pelled, and D. Gazit, “Gene therapy approaches to regenerating bone,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1320–1330, Sep. 2012.

[10] C. H. Evans, “Gene delivery to bone,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1331–1340, Sep. 2012.

[11] Y. Wang and D. W. Grainger, “RNA therapeutics targeting osteoclast-mediated excessive bone resorption,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 1341–1357, Sep. 2012.

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Curator: Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN

For IP and Legal aspects of Biosimilars, go to:

Biosimilars: Intellectual Property Creation and Protection by Pioneer and by Biosimilar Manufacturers

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2012/07/30/biosimilars-intellectual-property-creation-and-protection-by-pioneer-and-by-biosimilar-manufacturers/

For CMC and Regulatory Affairs of Biosimilars, go to:

Biosimilars: CMC Issues and Regulatory Requirements

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2012/07/29/biosimilars-cmc-issues-and-regulatory-requirements/

The patent provisions of the Biosimilar Act, 2009 establish demanding and time-sensitive disclosure requirements. ObamaCare upheld by the Supreme Court is a victory for future development of pathways for biosimilar regulatory approval and eventually biosimilar generic drugs.

With the upheld ObamaCare, critical parts of the PPACA constitutional, and with it the BPCIA giving the FDA authority to approve biosimilars.

Had the PPACA been stricken in part or in its entirety, it would have presented obstacles to the BPCIA surviving in its present form. The US government has been critical of the 12-year data exclusivity period for Pioneer Innovators, calling for it to be shortened to 7 years (12 years is favorable to Pioneer Innovators and less favorable for Biosimilar manufacturers). The upheld ObamaCare, PPACA and BPCIA, constitutional, has prevented a multiyear delay in biosimilar approval. Thus, it was the best scenario for the biologics industry.

Thus, projection of Sales for Biosmilars as % of top 100 U.S. Pharmaceutical will receive a special meaning and an expected enhanced market share for 2012 year end and beyond 2012.

Biosimilars are occupying the Following ranking in the U.S. Pharmacuetical Sales – 2012: Top 100 Drugs for Q1 2012 by Sales: 10, 11, 12 13, 15, 24, 27, 29, 33, 35, 39, 57, 58, 62, 65, 70,  72, 74, 90, 98, 99. In addition the following biosimilars did not make the Top 100 list:

Biosimilar Drugs by US Sales – not included in the Top 100 Drug List 

Recombinate $2.9 1998 — Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant) by Baxter 5.7 Billion in 2012

Cerezyme $1.5 1994 —  Gaucher disease and Fabrazyme for Fabry disease by Genzyme 200 millions in sales

TYSABRI(R) (natalizumab) revenues were $280 million, in-line with the second quarter of 2011 by Elan and Biogen

NovoSeven $1.4 1999 —  Anti-fibrinolytics by Novo Nordisk – $1.5Billion

Synagis $1.3 1998 — Generic Name:  palivizumab     Anti-virals by AstraZeneca  $570 millions

Humulin $1.1 1992 Insulin Human by Eli Lilly $ 1.2 Billion

Kogenate FS $1.1 1993 — octocog alfa    Anti-fibrinolytics By Bayer $1.4 billion

U.S. Pharmacuetical Sales – 2012: Top 100 Drugs for Q1 2012 by Sales – Small Molecule Drugs (in green) and Biosimilars (in red)

The following is a list of the top 100 pharmaceutical drugs by retail sales in 2012, listed by U.S. sales value and drug name. Last updated: July 2012 (updated quarterly)

http://www.drugs.com/stats/top100/sales

Rank Drug

Sales ($000)

   
1 PlavixBristol-Myers Squibb Company

1,620,790

Stats

2 NexiumAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

1,395,981

Stats

3 AbilifyOtsuka Pharmaceutical Co.

1,340,200

Stats

4 SingulairMerck & Co., Inc.

1,238,134

Stats

5 SeroquelAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

1,161,141

Stats

6 Advair DiskusGlaxoSmithKline

1,139,182

Stats

7 CrestorAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

1,117,904

Stats

8 CymbaltaEli Lilly and Company

1,029,262

Stats

9 atorvastatinGeneric Drug

952,407

Stats

10 HumiraAbbott Laboratories

928,124

 

Stats

11 RemicadeCentocor Ortho Biotech, Inc

899,453

 

Stats

12 EnbrelAmgen Inc.

890,135

 

Stats

13 NeulastaAmgen Inc.

849,971

 

Stats

14 LipitorPfizer Inc

840,715

Stats

15 RituxanGenentech, Inc

756,875

 

Stats

16 CopaxoneTeva Pharmaceuticals

748,585

Stats

17 AtriplaGilead Sciences, Inc.

694,901

Stats

18 OxyContin

662,876

Stats

19 SpirivaBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc

659,818

Stats

20 AvastinGenentech, Inc

632,183

Stats

21 ActosTakeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc

630,970

Stats

22 JanuviaMerck & Co., Inc.

583,603

Stats

23 TruvadaGilead Sciences, Inc.

546,098

Stats

24 LantusSanofi-Aventis

520,584

Stats

25 DiovanNovartis Corporation

509,615

Stats

26 LexaproForest Pharmaceuticals, Inc

491,053

Stats

27 EpogenAmgen Inc.

489,570

 

Stats

28 LyricaPfizer Inc

458,171

Stats

29 Lantus SolostarSanofi-Aventis

448,388

 

Stats

30 enoxaparinGeneric Drug

442,263

Stats

31 EloxatinSanofi-Aventis

431,928

Stats

32 CelebrexPfizer Inc

430,993

Stats

33 HerceptinGenentech, Inc

425,687

 

Stats

34 Diovan HCTNovartis Corporation

415,475

Stats

35 LucentisGenentech, Inc

409,547

 

Stats

36 SynagisMedImmune, Inc

396,556

Stats

37 NamendaForest Pharmaceuticals, Inc

391,638

Stats

38 GleevecNovartis Corporation

391,072

Stats

39 AvonexBiogen Idec

388,623

 

Stats

40 VyvanseShire US Inc

387,167

Stats

41 olanzapineGeneric Drug

385,867

Stats

42 IncivekVertex Pharmaceuticals

371,349

Stats

43 One Touch Ultra

366,294

Stats

44 SuboxoneReckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc.

338,840

Stats

45 methylphenidateGeneric Drug

337,211

Stats

46 ZetiaMerck & Co., Inc.

328,653

Stats

47 AndroGelAbbott Laboratories

311,850

Stats

48 ProvigilCephalon, Inc.

303,029

Stats

49 LidodermEndo Pharmaceuticals

301,354

Stats

50 TriCorAbbott Laboratories

298,834

Stats

51 SymbicortAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

290,669

Stats

52 CombiventBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc

285,487

Stats

53 ProAir HFATeva Pharmaceuticals

284,647

Stats

54 Seroquel XRAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

282,416

Stats

55 amphetamine/dextroamphetamineGeneric Drug

275,447

Stats

56 NasonexMerck & Co., Inc.

274,748

Stats

57 NovologNovo Nordisk Inc.

266,305

 

Stats

58 ProcritJanssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc

264,190

 

Stats

59 AlimtaEli Lilly and Company

263,024

Stats

60 ViagraPfizer Inc

260,678

Stats

61 GeodonPfizer Inc

260,514

Stats

62 Rebif

258,088

 

Stats

63 budesonideGeneric Drug

257,243

Stats

64 NiaspanAbbott Laboratories

255,383

Stats

65 HumalogEli Lilly and Company

244,587

 

Stats

66 Flovent HFAGlaxoSmithKline

241,552

Stats

67 LovazaGlaxoSmithKline

239,845

Stats

68 LevemirNovo Nordisk Inc.

239,576

Stats

69 Adderall XRShire US Inc

239,097

Stats

70 NeupogenAmgen Inc.

238,427

 

Stats

71 ReyatazBristol-Myers Squibb Company

238,151

Stats

72 AranespAmgen Inc.

231,643

 

Stats

73 metoprololGeneric Drug

231,395

Stats

74 NovoLog FlexPenNovo Nordisk Inc.

227,228

 

Stats

75 VytorinMerck & Co., Inc.

218,215

Stats

76 JanumetMerck & Co., Inc.

212,596

Stats

77 IsentressMerck & Co., Inc.

211,526

Stats

78 escitalopramGeneric Drug

210,171

Stats

79 CialisEli Lilly and Company

206,996

Stats

80 AciphexEisai Corporation

203,097

Stats

81 PradaxaBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc

201,065

Stats

82 SolodynMedicis Pharmaceutical Corporation

198,909

Stats

83 fentanylGeneric Drug

197,350

Stats

84 ZyprexaEli Lilly and Company

194,460

Stats

85 VelcadeTakeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc

188,583

Stats

86 RestasisAllergan, Inc

188,501

Stats

87 LunestaSunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

187,941

Stats

88 acetaminophen/hydrocodoneGeneric Drug

185,374

Stats

89 PrezistaJanssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc

182,859

Stats

90 PegasysGenentech, Inc

181,693

 

Stats

91 ZyvoxPfizer Inc

179,523

Stats

92 Prevnar 13Wyeth

179,085

Stats

93 LovenoxSanofi-Aventis

178,957

Stats

94 BenicarDaiichi Sankyo

174,619

Stats

95 VESIcareAstellas Pharma US

174,524

Stats

96 Ventolin HFAGlaxoSmithKline

172,707

Stats

97 OrenciaBristol-Myers Squibb Company

172,202

Stats

98 BetaseronBayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals

172,143

 

Stats

99 ErbituxBristol-Myers Squibb Company

171,513

 

Stats

100 DexilantTakeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc

171,179

Stats

Source: IMS Health (Midas).

Biosimilars Drugs by US Sales – not included in the Top 100 Drug List 

Recombinate $2.9 1998 — Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant) by Baxter 5.7 Billion in 2012

Cerezyme $1.5 1994 —  Gaucher disease and Fabrazyme for Fabry disease by Genzyme 200 millions in sales

TYSABRI(R) (natalizumab) revenues were $280 million, in-line with the second quarter of 2011 by Elan and Biogen

NovoSeven $1.4 1999 —  Anti-fibrinolytics by Novo Nordisk – $1.5Billion

Synagis $1.3 1998 — Generic Name:  palivizumab     Anti-virals by AstraZeneca  $570 millions

Humulin $1.1 1992 Insulin Human by Eli Lilly $ 1.2 Billion

Kogenate FS $1.1 1993 — octocog alfa    Anti-fibrinolytics By Bayer $1.4 billion

2011 US Sales vs. 2008 US Sales (in Billions) for Top Selling Biologics

Source for 2008 Sales

http://www.tbiweb.org/tbi/file_dir/TBI2009/Bao-lu%20Chen.pdf 

Source for 20011, Q1 2012 Sales

http://www.drugs.com/stats/top100/sales

Drug Name,  2008 Sales, Year approved , Indication

[i.e. Drug Name Enbrel,  2008 Sales $8.0B, Year approved 1998 , Indication RA]

Enbrel $8.0 1998 — RA, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis indication

Q1 2012 12 (1) $890,135 1.92% 823 -4.63%
Q4 2011 11 (1) $873,343 1.67% 863 1.77%
Q3 2011 12 (1) $858,997 1.27% 848 -2.97%
Q2 2011 13 (2) $848,230 3.77% 874 3.19%
Q1 2011 11 $817,401 847

http://www.drugs.com/stats/enbrel

Remicade $7.9 1998 — RA & Chron’s Disease

Q1 2012 11 (2) $899,453 10.04% 1,556 10.04%
Q4 2011 13 (3) $817,365 -7.02% 1,414 -9.82%
Q3 2011 10 $879,054 1.52% 1,568 1.03%
Q2 2011 10 (2) $865,903 7.61% 1,552 7.11%
Q1 2011 12 $804,699 1,449

http://www.drugs.com/stats/remicade

Humira $7.3 2002  — treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis

Q1 2012 10 $928,124 2.50% 546 -2.85%
Q4 2011 10 (1) $905,527 3.18% 562 2.55%
Q3 2011 11 (3) $877,641 3.95% 548 3.01%
Q2 2011 14 $844,296 6.32% 532 2.31%
Q1 2011 14 $794,076 520

http://www.drugs.com/stats/humira

Rituxan $7.3 1997 — cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Q1 2012 15 (1) $756,875 -1.91% 547 -0.91%
Q4 2011 14 (2) $771,622 6.96% 552 4.74%
Q3 2011 16 $721,408 -1.77% 527 -1.86%
Q2 2011 16 (4) $734,378 7.26% 537 5.09%
Q1 2011 20 $684,666

http://www.drugs.com/stats/rituxan

Second Quarter 2012 Highlights: RITUXAN(R) (rituximab) revenues from our unconsolidated joint business arrangement were $285 million for the quarter, an increase of 31% year-over-year. As previously disclosed, during the second quarter of 2011 our share of RITUXAN revenues from unconsolidated joint business was reduced by approximately $50 million to reflect our share of damages and interest that might be awarded in relation to an intermediate decision in Genentech, Inc.’s ongoing arbitration with Hoechst GmbH

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/correcting-and-replacing-biogen-idec-increases-revenue-18-to-14-billion-in-the-second-quarter-2012-07-24

Herceptin $5.7 1998 —  treat metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after treatment with other chemotherapy

Q1 2012 33 $425,687 -0.06% 155
Q4 2011 33 (2) $425,931 7.61% 155 4.73%
Q3 2011 31 (1) $395,804 -0.64% 148 -0.67%
Q2 2011 32 (4) $398,348 3.62% 149 1.36%
Q1 2011 36 $384,428 147

http://www.drugs.com/stats/herceptin

Lantus $5.1 2000 — long-acting form of the hormone insulin.

Q1 2012 29 (5) $448,388 9.81% 3,737 7.32%
Q4 2011 34 $408,336 8.54% 3,482 7.07%
Q3 2011 34 (2) $376,208 4.53% 3,252 6.00%
Q2 2011 36 (5) $359,907 7.80% 3,068 8.30%
Q1 2011 41 $333,878 2,833

http://www.drugs.com/stats/lantus-solostar

Epogen/Procrit $5.1 1989Anemia, low RBC

Worldwide, sales of the two drugs – sold under the brand names Epogen, Procrit and Aranesp – exceeded $9 billion in 2005 for Amgen and Johnson & Johnson, their makers.  Johnson & Johnson, which sells epoetin under the brand names Procrit in the United States and Eprex everywhere else, reported sales of $2.4 billion in the first nine months of 2006, down slightly from 2005.

Amgen Recalls Anemia Medications for Glass Fragments09/24/2010 – Drug-makers Amgen (AMGN) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) are voluntarily recalling two brandsof an injectable anemia medication because vials containing the drug may have tiny glass flakes. The drug, Epoetin alfa, is marketed under the brand names Epogen and Procrit.Known as lamellae, the glass fragments are created by the interaction of the drug with glass vials during storage, Amgen said in a statement announcing the recall. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration, Amgen said.

Latest study shows anemia drugs Epogen, Aranesp and Procrit cause strokes, says FDA

Posted on January 7, 2010

Anemia drugs sold by Amgen and Johnson & Johnson have been reported to cause strokes when prescribed in high doses, according to an article from the FDA, recently published in the The New England Journal of Medicine. The law firm of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz is investigating the FDA’s recent announcement.

The FDA commentary said the latest study and previous studies “raise major concerns” about the use of these drugs to treat anemia caused by kidney disease. The drugs are also used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy. Studies over the past several years have revealed a link between the drugs and heart attacks, strokes, and other problems.

Amgen’s anemia drugs include Epogen and Aranesp. Johnson & Johnson sells anemia drug Procrit, which is produced by Amgen. The drugs are designed to raise red blood cell levels, to promote delivery of oxygen to body tissues.

http://www.awkolaw.com/news/heart-attacks/anemia-drugs-epogen-aranesp-procrit-cause-strokes-says-fda/

Epogen / Procrit / Aranesp: The July 2012 News Report Which Tells Story Of Big Pharma Profits Over Patient Safety And Drug Efficacy

Once The FDA Started Paying Attention The Writing On The Wall Became Apparent, Albeit Too Late For Some

(Posted by  at DrugInjuryWatch.com)

This lengthy and well-presented news report, “Anemia drugs made billions, but at what cost?”, written by Peter Whoriskey and published July 19, 2012 by The Washington Post (free registration required), is a must-read for anyone with a concern or interest in how larger pharmaceutical companies might put corporate profits ahead of patient safety and drug efficacy.

Here is an excerpt from this Washington Post article which will give you a sense of what went on that, in hindsight, is so disturbing:

For years, a trio of anemia drugs known as Epogen, Procrit and Aranesp ranked among the best-selling prescription drugs in the United States, generating more than $8 billion a year for two companies, Amgen and Johnson & Johnson. Even compared with other pharmaceutical successes, they were superstars. For several years, Epogen ranked as the single costliest medicine under Medicare: U.S. taxpayers put up as much as $3 billion a year for the drugs.

The trouble, as a growing body of research has shown, is that for about two decades, the benefits of the drug — including “life satisfaction and happiness” according to the FDA-approved label — were wildly overstated, and potentially lethal side effects, such as cancer and strokes, were overlooked.

Last year, Medicare researchers issued an 84-page study declaring that among most kidney patients, the original and largest market for the drugs, there was no solid evidence that they made people feel better, improved their survival or had any “clinical benefit” besides elevating a statistic for red blood cell count.

As for some of the key events which led up to this revelation of sorts, we start with a June 24, 2011 FDA press release, “FDA modifies dosing recommendations for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents — Cites increased risk of cardiovascular events when used to treat chronic kidney disease”, which included the following:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today recommended more conservative dosing guidelines for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) when used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) because of the increased risks of cardiovascular events such as stroke, thrombosis, and death….

Procrit —  (epoetin alfa) is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells

Q1 2012 58 (3) $264,190 -2.13% 295 -4.22%
Q4 2011 55 (2) $269,937 3.58% 308 3.01%
Q3 2011 53 (12) $260,610 -21.61% 299 -21.32%
Q2 2011 41 (7) $332,466 7.04% 380 5.56%
Q1 2011 48 $310,606 360

http://www.drugs.com/stats/procrit

Epogen —  (epoetin alfa) is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells

Q1 2012 27 (7) $489,570 -24.54% 555 -17.04%
Q4 2011 20 (2) $648,794 4.67% 669 3.40%
Q3 2011 22 (2) $619,828 -13.96% 647 -18.41%
Q2 2011 20 (1) $720,376 3.32% 793 4.48%
Q1 2011 19 $697,224 759

http://www.drugs.com/stats/epogen

Neulasta $4.2 2002 — used to prevent neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by receiving chemotherapy. stimulates the bone marrow and promotes the growth of white blood cells called neutrophils

Q1 2012 13 (1) $849,971 3.33% 331 1.53%
Q4 2011 12 (2) $822,578 4.59% 326 3.49%
Q3 2011 14 (1) $786,464 -3.86% 315 -5.69%
Q2 2011 15 $818,068 4.04% 334 3.41%
Q1 2011 15 $786,288 323

http://www.drugs.com/stats/neulasta

Novolog $3.7 2000 —  Insulin aspart is a fast-acting form of insulin. NovoLog is used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. It is usually given together with a long-acting insulin.

Q1 2012 57 (6) $266,305 5.67% 2,980 3.72%
Q4 2011 63 (3) $252,015 0.97% 2,873 -0.48%
Q3 2011 60 (1) $249,591 -0.96% 2,887 -2.66%
Q2 2011 61 (5) $252,010 3.16% 2,966 -0.70%
Q1 2011 66 $244,297 2,987

http://www.drugs.com/stats/novolog

Erbitux $3.6 2004 — used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum. It is also used to treat head and neck cancer.

Q1 2012 99 (2) $171,513 2.30% 266 3.91%
Q4 2011 97 (7) $167,657 -0.15% 256 0.79%
Q3 2011 90 (3) $167,909 -2.48% 254 -1.93%
Q2 2011 93 (2) $172,185 -0.89% 259 -0.38%
Q1 2011 95 $173,735 260

http://www.drugs.com/stats/erbitux

Aranesp $3.2 2001 — Anemia, low RBC,  (darbepoetin alfa) is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. 

Q1 2012 72 (6) $231,643 -5.86% 293 -7.86%
Q4 2011 66 (15) $246,056 -6.07% 318 -3.64%
Q3 2011 51 (3) $261,967 -10.25% 330 -11.29%
Q2 2011 48 (3) $291,873 -1.03% 372 -1.33%
Q1 2011 51 $294,912 377

http://www.drugs.com/stats/aranesp

The article reports on the decline of worldwide sales of Aranesp drug from Thousand Oaks, California-based Amgen Inc. as of the second quarter of 2007. According to Amgen, the 10% decrease of Aranesp worldwide sales was due to the reimbursement issues related to the anemia drug and the drop of U.S. demand for drug, in which the U.S. Aranesp reported sales in the second quarter of 2007 was only $578 million from $713 million in 2006.

http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/26375335/amgen-posts-lower-aranesp-sales

1/24/2011, Amgen boosts prices to offset Aranesp sales

Amgen is hiking prices to make up for the shrinking sales volume of its anemia drug Aranesp. Bloomberg reports that Amgen raised the price tag on Aranesp itself by 4.4 percent, but also marked up the white-blood-cell-boosting meds Neulasta and Neupogen by 2.9 percent.

http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/amgen-boosts-prices-offset-aranesp-sales/2011-01-24

Recombinate $2.9 1998 — Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant)

BioScience core franchises include: Hemophilia, Biotherapeutics, BioSurgery and Vaccines. BioScience products represent approximately 45 percent of Baxter’s annual sales, totaling $5.7 billion in 2010.

2007 Outlook – Sales within Baxter’s BioScience business totaled $1.2 billion, an increase of 18 percent from the same period last year. This growth was driven by record sales of ADVATE, Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Plasma/Albumin Free Method (rAHF-PFM) for the treatment of hemophilia A, antibody therapy products, including GAMMAGARD LIQUID(TM) [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] (IVIG) 10% Solution for the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies, specialty plasma therapeutics and biosurgery products. Medication Delivery sales increased 7 percent to $1.0 billion, with increased sales of infusion systems, intraveneous solutions and parenteral nutrition products, along with accelerated growth in the company’s drug delivery business. Renal sales increased 6 percent to $537 million reflecting accelerating gains in peritoneal dialysis patients globally.

Lucentis $2.7 2006 intraocular injection. (ranibizumab injection) is a recombinant humanized IgG1 kappa isotype monoclonal antibody fragment designed for intraocular use. Ranibizumab binds to and inhibits the biologic activity of human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).

Date Range Sales Rank Sales ($000) Units (000)
Q1 2012 35 (5) $409,547 -6.89% 224 -5.88%
Q4 2011 30 (2) $439,867 2.44% 238 2.59%
Q3 2011 28 (2) $429,393 1.13% 232 0.87%
Q2 2011 30 (3) $424,611 0.95% 230 1.32%
Q1 2011 33 $420,635 227

http://www.drugs.com/stats/lucentis

http://www.gene.com/gene/about/ir/historical/product-sales/lucentis.html

Lucentis brought in $1.7 billion for Roche last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.Alimera Sciences Inc. (ALIM), based in Alpharetta, Georgia, and Psivida Corp. (PSDV) also are developing a diabetic macular edema treatment known as Iluvien. The FDA has twice rejected Iluvien, most recently in November.

The FDA pooled results from two Roche clinical trials and found 39 percent of patients who used the 0.3 milligram dose were able to read three additional lines of letters on an eye chart after two years compared to 41 percent who had the same effect on the 0.5 milligram dose, according to an FDA staff report released July 24.

Genentech recommended approval of the 0.3 milligram dose in its application to the FDA since there isn’t evidence of additional benefit of the higher dose, Terence Hurley, a spokesman for the company, said in an e-mail.

Patients who received the monthly injection also were significantly more likely than those who received fake doses of the drug to achieve 20/40 vision, enough eyesight to drive.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-26/roche-s-lucentis-backed-by-fda-panel-for-diabetic-blindness-1-.html

Avonex $2.6 1996 —  Multiple Sclerosis, a form of protein called beta interferon that occurs naturally in the body. Interferons help the body fight viral infections. Avonex is used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical disability. This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Q1 2012 39 (1) $388,623 2.22% 130 -3.70%
Q4 2011 38 (5) $380,189 0.19% 135 -2.17%
Q3 2011 33 $379,457 -0.05% 138 -1.43%
Q2 2011 33 (4) $379,639 2.45% 140 -1.41%
Q1 2011 37 $370,570 142

http://www.drugs.com/stats/avonex

Second-quarter net income surged 34 percent to $386.8 million, or $1.61 a share, from $288 million, or $1.18, a year earlier, the Weston, Massachusetts-based company said today in a statement. Earnings excluding some items of $1.82 topped by 26 cents the average of 21 analysts’ estimates (BIIB) compiled by Bloomberg. Revenue beat estimates by about $90 million.

Biogen said profit this year is expected to be more than $6.20 a share, 5 cents higher than its May 1 forecast (BIIB). The company has been increasing sales of Avonex, Rituxan and Tysabri, another MS therapy, while developing new medicines to introduce to the market.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-07-24/biogen-second-quarter-profit-rises-as-avonex-sales-increase

AVONEX(R) (interferon beta-1a) revenues increased 16% year-over-year to $762 million.

Novolin $2.5 1991  —  Novolin R (insulin regular) is a short-acting form of human insulin, Diabetes, Type 1 Type 2

Date Range Sales Rank Sales ($000) Units (000)
Q1 2012 74 (2) $227,228 8.96% 2,489 13.81%
Q4 2011 76 (4) $208,552 10.19% 2,187 6.73%
Q3 2011 80 (6) $189,267 4.15% 2,049 4.92%
Q2 2011 86 (7) $181,733 3.71% 1,953 29.60%
Q1 2011 93 $175,235 1,507
http://www.drugs.com/stats/novolog-flexpen
Novo Nordisk launches iPhone app Posted 17th September 2010, 15:11:54
An iPhone app has been launched by Novo Nordisk in the US which lets healthcare staff check dosage guidelines for diabetes patients.

Novo Dose provides product-specific data for the company’s insulin analog agents Levemir (insulin detemir), NovoLog (insulin aspart) and NovoLog Mix (insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart injectable).

Combined sales of the three medications increased by 24% last year, feeding a double-digit growth in Novo Nordisk sales and profits.

Novo Dose, the second diabetes app created by the industry, tells professionals when and how to dose the drugs, how to titrate and provides information on the blood glucose goals of patients.

Commenting on the new technology, Anup Kumar Sabharwal, an endocrinologist at the University of Miami Clinics’ Diabetes Research Institute, said: “This is where modern medicine is headed.”

Humalog $2.2 1996  Humalog is used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults. Insulin lispro is a fast-acting form of insulin. It is usually given together with another long-acting insulin. It works by lowering levels of glucose in the blood. Humalog is also used together with oral (taken by mouth) medications to treat type 2 (non insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults.

Q1 2012 65 $244,587 -2.70% 2,570 -3.85%
Q4 2011 65 (2) $251,367 3.78% 2,673 2.81%
Q3 2011 63 (4) $242,208 -0.75% 2,600 -1.78%
Q2 2011 67 (5) $244,050 4.83% 2,647 1.15%
Q1 2011 72 $232,809 2,617

http://www.drugs.com/stats/humalog

Pegasys $2.0 2002 — (peginterferon alfa-2a) is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections. Pegasys is used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C. It is often used together with another medication called ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab).

Q1 2012 90 (1) $181,693 3.92% 87 3.57%
Q4 2011 91 () $174,833 84

http://www.drugs.com/stats/pegasys

Rebif $1.7 2002 — (interferon beta-1a) is a protein identical to one found in the body. Interferon beta-1a is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections. Rebif is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Q1 2012 62 (1) $258,088 -0.21% 540 -9.09%
Q4 2011 61 (7) $258,643 0.43% 594 -0.34%
Q3 2011 54 (5) $257,535 1.48% 596 -1.49%
Q2 2011 59 (2) $253,780 0.25% 605 -0.66%
Q1 2011 61 $253,143 609

http://www.drugs.com/stats/rebif

Cerezyme $1.5 1994 —  Gaucher disease and Fabrazyme for Fabry disease.

Last year Genzyme was forced to temporarily close its manufacturing plant in Boston due to a viral contamination. The interruption lead to shortages of two key drugs: Cerezyme for Gaucher disease and Fabrazyme for Fabry disease.

That crisis sent the company’s stock price plummeting from nearly $84 in 2008 to a low earlier this year of $45.39. Sanofi’s offer to acquire the company for $18.5 billion, or $69 a share — along with a 14 percent rise in the NYSE Arca Biotech Index since late July — have helped the shares rebound.

But Genzyme is now on a mission to prove to shareholders that it is worth more than Sanofi is offering, and executives told investors on a conference call that the third quarter marks the beginning of its financial turnaround.

Third-quarter sales of Cerezyme, the company’s top drug, rose to $179.8 million from $93.6 million a year earlier, beating analysts’ average forecast of $175 million.

“In the third quarter we saw our financial recovery start to take effect, and we expect that this will accelerate during the fourth quarter as Cerezyme patients are able to return to normal dosing levels and we begin to increase shipments of Fabrazyme,” Genzyme CEO Henri Termeer said in a statement.

Cerezyme is the principal drug for Gaucher patients. In the first quarter of 2012 Genzyme (now part of Sanofi (SNY))reported Cerezyme sales of 149 million euros (approx. $194 million), up 5.8% from the same quarter of the previous year. The other supplier Shire (SHPGY) reported $72 million in Vpriv sales, up 22%. There is now a third supplier, Pfizer (PFE), teamed up with the Israeli company Protalix Biotherapeutics (PLX), whose product was approved by the FDA in May 2012. Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) is now available in the US.
Product Cerezyme
2009 2010 2011
 Total 793 720 885
 Ann. Growth Total -9% 23%

http://www.evaluatepharma.com/Universal/View.aspx?type=Entity&entityType=Product&lType=modData&id=15461&componentID=1002

Tysabri $1.4 2004 — Multiple Sclerosis by Elan and Biogen

Global in-market sales of TYSABRI in the second quarter of 2012 were $395 million, an increase of 2% over the second quarter of 2011. The total was comprised of $211 million in U.S. sales and $184 million in sales outside the U.S.

TYSABRI(R) (natalizumab) revenues were $280 million, in-line with the second quarter of 2011.
ITALIAN DISPUTE

Elan derives its revenue almost exclusively from Tysabri and it reported total sales for the three months to June 30 of $288 million, up 6 percent on a year ago once sales from its since-divested drug delivery business are omitted.

That compared to the $299 million forecast by four analysts surveyed by Reuters and was driven by in-market sales of Tysabri that rose 2 percent year-on-year to $395 million, also shy of the $419 million expected by analysts.

Biogen, which detailed the sales numbers when it reported second quarter results on Tuesday, attributed the softer-than-expected Tysabri sales to a dispute with the Italian government over pricing.

The number of patients on Tysabri rose 4 percent to 69,100, maintaining Elan and Biogen’s 10 to 12 percent share of the MS drug market in the face of competition from Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG’s Gilenya treatment, the first multiple sclerosis pill to come on the market.

The average addition of 185 new patients per week was the highest quarterly run-rate since the fourth quarter of 2009.

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/07/25/elan-idINL6E8IP1VV20120725

NovoSeven $1.4 1999 —  Anti-fibrinolytics by Novo Nordisk —

Generic Name:   eptacog alfa
Product NovoSeven
2009 2010 2011
 Total 1,324 1,431 1,559
 Ann. Growth Total 8% 9%

http://www.evaluatepharma.com/Universal/View.aspx?type=Entity&entityType=Product&id=13483&lType=modData&componentID=1002

Synagis $1.3 1998 — Generic Name:  palivizumab     Anti-virals by AstraZeneca

Product Synagis
2009 2010 2011
 Total 1,042 906 570
 Ann. Growth Total -13% -37%

http://www.evaluatepharma.com/Universal/View.aspx?type=Entity&entityType=Product&lType=modData&id=91&componentID=1002

Neupogen $1.3 1991 —  (filgrastim) is a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of whiteblood cells in your body. White blood cells help your body fight against infection. Neupogen is used to treat neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by cancer,bone marrow transplant, receiving chemotherapy, or by other conditions.

Q1 2012 70 $238,427 0.06% 170 -2.86%
Q4 2011 70 (5) $238,289 0.16% 175 10.76%
Q3 2011 65 (5) $237,915 0.69% 158 0.64%
Q2 2011 70 (4) $236,294 2.51% 157 0.64%
Q1 2011 74 $230,515 156

http://www.drugs.com/stats/neupogen

Betaseron $1.2 1993 — (interferon) is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections. Betaseron is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Betaseron will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Q1 2012 98 (1) $172,143 2.93% 67 -10.67%
Q4 2011 99 (12) $167,236 -3.76% 75 -5.06%
Q3 2011 87 (2) $173,769 -2.89% 79 -2.47%
Q2 2011 89 (4) $178,938 -2.17% 81 -7.95%
Q1 2011 85 $182,908 88

http://www.drugs.com/stats/betaseron

Humulin $1.1 1992 Insulin Human by Eli Lilly 

Product Humulin R
2009 2010 2011
 Total 1,022 1,089 1,249
 Ann. Growth Total 7% 15%

http://www.evaluatepharma.com/Universal/View.aspx?type=Entity&entityType=Product&lType=modData&id=12399&componentID=1002

Kogenate FS $1.1 1993 — octocog alfa    Anti-fibrinolytics By Bayer

Product Kogenate
2009 2010 2011
 Total 1,238 1,332 1,496
 Ann. Growth Total 8% 12%

http://www.evaluatepharma.com/Universal/View.aspx?type=Entity&entityType=Product&lType=modData&id=11681&componentID=1002

Conclusion

Biosimilars are defined as biological products similar, but not identical, to the reference biological products that are submitted for separate marketing approval following patent expiration of the reference biological products. As one of the ICH members, the US needs to catch up with the EU and Japan as those two countries have already issued regulatory guidelines for biosimilars.

Once Congress establishes a legal framework, FDA is expected to set up a biosimilar approval pathway which will be similar to those in the EU and Japan and harmonized under ICH. The biosimilar will need a full CMC development package plus demonstration of comparable quality attributes and comparable efficacy and safety to the innovator’s product. Table 5 provides a comparison summary between small-molecule generics and biosimilars. It will take a much bigger effort to develop a biosimilar than a generic drug. Automatic substitution between the innovator product and a biosimilar is not appropriate as a biosimilar is not a generic version of the innovator product and is approved based on comparability to the innovator product.

REFERENCES

http://www.wolfgreenfield.com/files/2426_biosimilars_2_final_pdf.pdf

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A collaborative effort in reaching the set targets in a stipulated time frame is inevitable in every walk of life and the pharmaceutical industry seems to be in no exception. New products identification and their evaluation in terms of their safety and efficacy towards the targeted disease condition and finally bringing them to the needy as quickly as possible is a continuous and tedious process.

In order to minimize the time lines across the drug development process thru the market one may (have to) seek for external collaboration while safely and strategically harnessing the in-house resources to break new grounds in the field.

External collaboration will bring-in new talent into the existing system of Science and Business of the firm, whether small, mid-sized, or big company, that could lead to great innovations and investments on a win-win basis.

It is anticipated that Oncology therapeutic area will reach approximately $75 billion in global spending by 2015. OncoProducts continue to dominate the global therapeutics market and it is the leading research therapeutic, with 672 oncology drugs in development.

Conducting clincal trails is very challenging because:

  • clinical trials can vary in size from a single center in one country to multicenter trials in multiple countries.
  • Cost incur in a full series of clinical trials is enormous.
  • of the burden of paying for all the necessary people and services is usually borne by the sponsor.

Clinical trails can take place only after satisfactory information has been gathered on the quality of the nonclinical safety, and health authority/ethics committee approval is granted in the country where the trial is taking place.

Depending on the type of product and the stage of its development, investigators enroll healthy volunteers and/or patients into small pilot studies initially, followed by larger scale studies as and when positive safety and efficacy data are gathered.

Such a rigorous evaluation in clinical trials that assess effcacy and safety in appropriate patient populations are critical to the continued development of the highly sensitive targeted therapies. The challenges to such studies, especially in phase I, are particularly great in oncology and cannot be met solely by most small- to mid-size oncology companies’.

Thus, though many companies have a range of talent and tools to apply to trials, often a clinical trial is managed by an outsourced partner, such as a Contract Research Organization or a Clinical Trials Unit. Moreover partnering with external organizations can bolster expertise and experience to ensure successful trial outcomes in terms of quality, data and time.

One such organization to partner with to successfully conduct and complete especially optimizing early phase, which is most challenging, oncology clinical trails is “NOVELLA Clinical”.

Novella is a specialty clinical research organization (CRO), that offers a range of services ranging from protocol development thru data analysis, that can be tailored to and mesh seamlessly with a sponsor’s specific needs.

When selecting a sponsor one must consider the following:

  • Expert scientific staff availability
  • Synergistic clinical trail models (e.g., PM/CTM clubbing or effective coordination where possible)
  • Clinical site selection expertise
  • Clinical trail efficiency through Operation Excellence that uses eClinical technologies (e.g., EDC, CTM)
  • Effective Cohort Management
  • Quality Data Documentation, and last but not least
  • ‘Trust’.

Therefore selecting a specialty oncology CRO especially for early stage oncology trials is important and moreover partners bring sponsors ‘results that lay the foundation’ for advanced efficacy trials in the most appropriate oncology patients, particularly when acquired in a time- and cost-effective manner.

Sponsors interested, especially the small- to mid-size pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who may be planning early stage oncology clinical trials, in taking advantages offered by “NOVELLA Clinical” can visit the source for further details.

 For further reading:

Website: “NOVELLA Clinical”

Reference:

Optimizing-Early-Phase-Oncology-Clinical-Trials-Novella-Clinical

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