In the world of pharmaceuticals, biosimilars and generics are two important categories that often come up in discussions about drug affordability and accessibility. While both serve the purpose of providing more cost-effective treatment options, they are fundamentally different in their composition, development, and regulation. This blog aims to demystify these terms and provide a clear understanding of what biosimilars and generics are, how they are developed, and their roles in healthcare.
The terms "biosimilars" and "generics" refer to different types of drugs that serve as alternatives to original branded medications. While both aim to reduce healthcare costs and increase access to treatment, they differ in several key ways due to the nature of their production and the types of drugs they replicate.
Generics
Generics are exact copies of brand-name drugs with the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration. They are chemically synthesized, meaning they are made from small molecules.
Examples: Ibuprofen, Metformin, Atorvastatin.
Biosimilars
Biosimilars are highly similar to an already approved biological medicine (called "the reference product"), with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency. They are made from complex, large molecules derived from living cells.
Examples: Biosimilars for biological drugs like insulin (e.g., insulin glargine biosimilars), monoclonal antibodies (e.g., infliximab biosimilars).
Key differences in Regulatory Process
The regulatory process for generics is streamlined and focused on demonstrating bioequivalence, the process for biosimilars is more intricate and involves demonstrating high similarity to the reference product through a combination of analytical, non-clinical, and clinical studies. This results in differing timelines, costs, and regulatory burdens for bringing these products to market.
Regulatory Process for Generics
Pathway: Generics are approved through the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) process in the United States, managed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Bioequivalence Studies: Manufacturers must demonstrate that their generic product is bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning it releases its active ingredient into the bloodstream at the same rate and in the same amount.
Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC): Detailed information on the drug’s composition, manufacturing process, and quality control measures must be provided.
Labeling: The labeling of the generic must be identical to that of the brand-name drug, with allowances for differences such as manufacturer information.
Approval Time: The approval process for generics is generally faster than for new drugs, typically taking 10 months to 2 years.
Patent Certifications: The ANDA must include certifications regarding patents listed for the brand-name drug, including statements on whether the generic will wait for patent expiry or challenge the patent.
Market Exclusivity: The first generic to challenge a patent may receive 180 days of market exclusivity, during which time no other generic can be marketed.
Regulatory Process for Biosimilars
Biologics License Application (BLA) and Biosimilar Pathway:
Pathway: Biosimilars are approved through the Biologics License Application (BLA) under the Public Health Service Act in the United States overseen by the US-FDA. They follow a specific pathway within the BLA framework designed for biosimilars, known as the 351(k) pathway, named after section 351(k) of the Public Health Service Act.
Comparative Analytical Studies: Extensive analytical studies are required to demonstrate that the biosimilar is highly similar to the reference product, with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency.
Non-Clinical Studies: Non-clinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) are conducted to compare the biosimilar to the reference product.
Clinical Studies: Clinical trials are required to assess immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) to ensure the biosimilar performs similarly to the reference product in humans.
Extrapolation: If a biosimilar is approved for one indication, it may be approved for other indications of the reference product based on scientific justification and extrapolation of data.
Approval Time: The approval process for biosimilars is longer and more complex than for generics, often taking several years due to the extensive comparative studies required.
Interchangeability: A biosimilar can receive an "interchangeable" designation if it meets additional requirements demonstrating that it can be expected to produce the same clinical result as the reference product in any given patient and that the risk of switching between the biosimilar and the reference product is not greater than using the reference product without switching.
Market Exclusivity: Biosimilars do not receive market exclusivity for being the first biosimilar. However, they benefit from the expiration of the reference product’s exclusivity periods, including data exclusivity (12 years in the US) and patent protection.
Patent Litigation: The "patent dance" is a series of exchanges between the biosimilar applicant and the reference product sponsor to resolve patent disputes before the biosimilar can be marketed.
Market Implications of Biosimilars over Generics
The market implications of biosimilars differ significantly from those of generics due to the complexity, cost, and regulatory environment associated with biosimilar development and approval. Here are several key implications:
Market Impact
Price Reduction and Cost Savings:
Generics: The introduction of generics typically leads to a substantial decrease in drug prices, often by 80-90% compared to the branded version. This is because generics are cheaper to produce and multiple manufacturers can enter the market, driving competition and lowering prices.
Biosimilars: While biosimilars also reduce costs, the price drop is generally less dramatic, usually in the range of 15-30%. The development and manufacturing costs are higher for biosimilars, and fewer companies can afford to produce them, resulting in less aggressive price competition.
Market Penetration:
Generics: They achieve rapid and widespread market penetration due to their low cost and high prescriber confidence. Physicians and patients readily switch to generics once the patent on the original drug expires.
Biosimilars: Market penetration is slower and more gradual. Physicians may be more cautious in prescribing biosimilars due to concerns about clinical equivalence, patient acceptance, and the complexity of biological treatments.
3. Development Challenges
Generics: Lower development costs and simpler regulatory pathways result in a larger number of generic manufacturers. This leads to high competition and lower prices.
Biosimilars: High development costs and stringent regulatory requirements create significant barriers to entry. Fewer companies can afford to invest in biosimilar development, leading to less competition and higher prices compared to generics.
Market Dynamics and Competition
Generics: Manufacturers often compete on price and volume, leading to aggressive pricing strategies.
Biosimilars: Manufacturers may adopt a mix of competitive pricing and value-based strategies, emphasizing the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of their biosimilar products. Marketing efforts also focus on educating healthcare providers and patients.
Impact on Healthcare Systems
Healthcare Savings:
Generics: The widespread use of generics leads to substantial savings for healthcare systems and patients, freeing up resources for other healthcare needs.
Biosimilars: While the cost savings are not as dramatic, biosimilars still offer significant savings for expensive biologic treatments, contributing to more sustainable healthcare spending.
In the United States, the total savings in 2021 as a result of biosimilars market entry is $7 billion. While both generic and biosimilar savings is $373 billion.
Access to Treatment:
Generics: Increased affordability and accessibility of medications due to generics enhance overall patient access to essential drugs.
Biosimilars: Improved access to biologic treatments, which are often life-saving but very costly, enhances patient outcomes, especially in chronic and severe conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
Long-term Market Evolution
Innovation and Investment:
Generics: The focus on cost reduction can sometimes lead to reduced investment in innovation by generic manufacturers.
Biosimilars: The higher revenue potential from biosimilars encourages ongoing investment in biopharmaceutical innovation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Global Market Trends:
Generics: Strong global market with widespread acceptance and robust competition in both developed and emerging markets.
Biosimilars: Growing global market with increasing acceptance and regulatory support, though still more pronounced in developed markets. Emerging markets are gradually adopting biosimilars as regulatory frameworks evolve.
Generics and biosimilars play crucial roles in reducing healthcare costs and improving access to treatments. However, biosimilars face unique market challenges and opportunities due to their complexity and the rigorous regulatory environment. Their market implications involve more gradual cost savings, higher development costs, and slower but steadily increasing market penetration compared to generics. Are you ready to revolutionize your business? Artixio is your partner in cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Our team of experts is dedicated to transforming your ideas into reality, ensuring your company stays ahead of the curve. Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Artixio at info@artixio.com now to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help your business thrive.
References -
Comentários