Baxalta was developed jointly with other companies , adalimumab biosimilar with Momenta Pharmaceuticals and etanercept biosimilar with Coherus BioSciences .
Recently , Merck KGaA was also reported to be reevaluating its biosimilars business . It will be no surprise if we see further consolidation in this space in the years to come . The biosimilars development pipelines are crowded and the area is highly competitive . The market may be able to sustain only a limited number of players ultimately . So only those who have the long term focus will remain . Given the nature of biosimilars business , partnerships will continue to play an important role in this domain .
Spurring innovation
Originators have responded to the impending biosimilars challenge with a combination of strategies that prominently include extension of patents , patent litigation , dropping prices , developing newer formulations or obtaining additional indications for existing biologics , developing their own biosimilar assets , or developing bio-better or next generation products . Most importantly , the competition from biosimilars is an important driver for innovation , paving the way for newer therapeutic options and thus influencing patient outcomes positively .
Biosimilars development in Asia
Asian manufacturers , especially from South Korea , continue to be significant players in the current biosimilars landscape , with rich product pipelines as well as a number of approved products in both the EU & US .
South Korea is reported to have a goal of controlling 22 % of the global biosimilars market by 2020 . This goal is supported by the Korean government by way of providing capital as well as regulatory assistance to the domestic bioplharmaceutical companies .
A number of Asian
companies are now looking at entering the global markets , and seem to be adopting global development strategies right from the outset instead of their earlier approach of developing products for local / regional markets first followed by the Western markets .
Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organization ( CDSCO ) guidelines for biosimilars were revised recently .
Note : References available on request .
Dr Charu Manaktala is the Senior Medical Director and Head of Asia Pacific Biosimilars Centre of Excellence , Strategic Drug Development , QuintilesIMS Asia .
BIOVOICENEWS . COM 35