12 Dec 20 | Biopharma supplier Alexion announced it will be acquired by AstraZeneca. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2021 for total consideration to Alexion shareholders of $39bn. Under the deal, AstraZeneca will acquire Alexion’s pipeline of 11 molecules, as well as Alexion’s blockbuster products Soliris® (eculizumab) and Ultomiris® (ravulizumab).
14 Dec 20 | Samsung Bioepis announced it has commenced Ph III trials of SB16 (proposed denosumab biosimilar) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
16 Dec 20 | the Centre for Biosimilars reported a new study indicates dramatically increased usage of trastuzumab biosimilars in the US. The study presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium indicated that biosimilar use increased based on payer policies that favored biosimilars.
17 Dec 20 | US | Amgen announced it has received FDA approval for Riabni® (biosimilar rituximab) for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Microscopic Polyangiitis. Riabni® will be launched in the US in January 2021.
17 Dec 20 | Samsung Bioepis released a Whitepaper ‘Education in Biosimilars’ which identifies fundamental information gaps and unmet needs in the biosimilar space. Among the key conclusions reached by the report was the need to ensure nurses are properly trained and educated about biosimilars.