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Biosimilars Deals 2021

Explore our interactive biosimilar news updates, collating tailored reports by brand, INN, originator/biosimilar applicant, litigation, region, or date. Alternatively, review our weekly BioBlast updates below.

EMA Validates BMS’s Type II Variation for Opdivo® (nivolumab)

Bristol Myers Squibb announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated its type II variation application for Opdivo® (nivolumab) in combination with cisplatin-based chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.  This validation of the application confirms the submission is complete.

On 22 August 2023 the European Commission expanded the indication for Opdivo® as a monotherapy for adjuvant treatment of patients over 12 with stage IIB or IIC melanoma who have undergone complete resection.

Dr Reddy’s Biologics Facility Receives Further Form 483 Objections Following US FDA Inspection

Dr Reddy’s informed the Indian National Stock exchange on 28 October 2023 that the FDA issued a Form 483 with ten observations for Dr Reddy’s biologics manufacturing facility in Hyderabad.  The observations were issued as part of a routine cGMP inspection of the facility by the FDA between 19 and 27 October 2023.  Dr Reddy’s confirmed in the announcement that it will address all ten observations within the stipulated timeline.

On 12 October 2023, the FDA issued a Form 483 with nine observations regarding that same Dr Reddy’s biologics manufacturing facility, after a product-specific pre-approval inspection by the FDA between 4 and 12 October. 

July 2023 PBAC Public Summary Documents Available

The Department of Health and Aged Care has published the public summary documents considered at the July 2023 PBAC meeting.  Documents include:

  • Cipla’s public summary document for Ardalicip®, biosimilar to AbbVie’s Humira® (adalimumab), which was developed by Alvotech (AVT02);
  • Juno Pharmaceuticals’ public summary document for Exarane™ and Exarane Forte™ (Sanofi’s Lovenox®) (enoxaparin); and
  • Sun Pharma’s public summary document for Yonsa Mpred® (Janssen’s Zytiga®) (abiraterone and methylprednisolone).

Approval Alert: Coherus/Shanghai Junshi’s Loqtorzi® (toripalimab) Approved to Treat NPC

Coherus BioSciences announced that the FDA has approved its Loqtorzi® (toripalimab) in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), and as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with recurrent, unresectable, or metastatic NPC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.

Coherus acquired toripalimab from Surface Oncology last month on 8 September 2023.

New Indication Alert: FDA Approves Roche’s Vabysmo® (faricimab) for Macular Oedema following Retinal Vein Occlusion RVO

Roche announced that the FDA has approved Vabysmo® (faricimab) to treat a new indication: macular oedema following retinal vein occlusion.  The clinical trials demonstrated non inferiority against aflibercept (marketed by Bayer/Regeneron’s as Eylea®).  The FDA accepted Roche’s sBLA for Vabysmo® (faricimab) for this indication on 9 May 2023The FDA accepted Roche’s sBLA for Vabysmo® (faricimab) for this indication on 9 May 2023, which is its third approved indication.

Vabysmo® was first FDA approved for treat wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema on 28 January 2022.  Vabysmo® was first  FDA approved for treat wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema on 28 January 2022.

NICE Recommends Novartis’ Cosentyx® (secukinumab) for Moderate to Severe HS

Novartis announced that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued final draft guidance recommending Cosentyx® (secukinumab) to treat active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults in England and Wales.   It will be recommended for patients with an inadequate response to conventional systemic HS therapy and where adalimumab is not suitable.

On 6 October 2023 the FDA approved Novartis’ new intravenous formulation of Cosentyx® for the treatment of adults with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

German court issues preliminary injunction for Formycon’s Stelara® (Ustekinumab) Biosimilar

It has been reported that the Munich Regional Court has issued a preliminary injunction against Formycon’s manufacture of FYB202, its Stelara® (ustekinumab) biosimilar, in Germany until expiry of Janssen’s SPC on its basic ustekinumab patent on 20 July 2024.  According to the reports, the decision reflected the arguments submitted by Janssen that in order to rely on the EU manufacturing waiver to export FYB202 before SPC expiry, Formycon was required to produce a relevant marketing authorisation in a country outside the EU in which the SPC was not in force, and had not done so.

FYB202 is not approved in the EU.  Formycon and its commercialisation partner Fresenius Kabi announced in September 2023 that their MAA for FYB202 has been accepted for review by the EMA.

Approval Alert: FDA Approves Eli Lilly’s Omvoh® (mirikizumab) to Treat Moderate to Severe UC

Eli Lilly announced that the FDA has approved its Omvoh® (mirikizumab-mrkz) for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.

On 1 April 2023, Eli Lilly launched its insulin glargine (Rezvoglar®) biosimilar to Sanofi’s Lantus®, in the US.  

Omvoh® is currently being assessed by the TGA, and was accepted for assessment in July 2022.  It was also approved in the EU by the European Commission on 26 May 2023

Samsung Biologics’ Q3 Results: Highest Ever Quarterly Revenue Exceeding ₩1T, an 18% Increase YoY

Samsung Biologics has announced its Q3/2023 financial results, demonstrating its highest ever quarterly consolidated revenue of ₩1.034T, marking an 18% increase from Q3 2023.  Samsung attributed this revenue hike to an increase in the operating rate of Plant 4 and a sales backlog, resulting in a projected over 20% annual growth in consolidated revenue.

Throughout the quarter, Samsung Biologics also expanded its strategic partnerships to a value of over 11.8B and includes “14 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies further solidifying the company’s position as a trusted CDMO partner”.

Samsung will also open its new Plant 5 by April 2025, which will add an extra 180,000L of capacity.

On 24 October 2023, Samsung Biologics announced that it and European VC firm Kurma Partners entered a strategic partnership to develop and manufacture biologics for Kurma’s companies.

Special Counsel Julie Ballance joins Pearce IP as it expands into New Zealand

Pearce IP is delighted to announce that leading intellectual property specialist Julie Ballance (Patent Attorney, Lawyer and Notary, NZ) commenced with Pearce IP as a Special Counsel in early October.

This also marks the expansion of Pearce IP into New Zealand and the opening of Pearce IP’s Wellington office.

Julie is a Trans-Tasman patent attorney and a New Zealand registered lawyer and notary public with more than 30 years’ IP/legal experience and a first class honours degree in chemistry. Julie is internationally renowned for her considerable patent/trade mark/designs/legal prowess, including being ranked in IAM Patent 1000.

Julie’s practice includes contentious and non-contentious patent, trade mark and designs IP/legal services in Australia and New Zealand.  Julie has been extensively involved with the patent attorney profession throughout her career, having served as President of the New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys Inc. and as a member of the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (then the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys).

Pearce IP’s founder and CEO Naomi Pearce says:

“Julie Ballance is a seasoned IP professional and leader, who is internationally recognised for excellence in her craft and commitment to the profession.   I am absolutely delighted that Julie has joined Pearce IP, and with Julie’s commencement, I am pleased to announce the expansion of our existing NZ focussed IP practice to include legal and notary services, and the opening of Pearce IP’s first Wellington (NZ) based office.”

Pearce IP Executive Chris Vindurampulle Phd says:

“Julie has a wealth of IP knowledge, resulting from her more than 30 years’ experience at the pinnacle of intellectual property law and practice in New Zealand and Australia. In addition to her registrations as patent attorney, lawyer and notary, Julie has a technical qualification in chemistry (with first class honours), which further complements Pearce IP’s existing life sciences-focussed offering. It is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome Julie to the patent team”.

About Pearce IP

​Pearce IP is a boutique firm offering intellectual property specialist lawyers, patent attorneys and trade mark attorneys to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and life sciences industries.  Pearce IP is the 2021 ‘Intellectual Property Team of the Year’ (Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards) and was shortlisted for the same award in 2022.  Pearce IP is ranked in IAM Patent 1000 and Managing IP (MIP) IP Stars, in Australasian Lawyer 5 Star Awards as a ‘5 Star’ firm, and the Legal 500 APAC Guide for Intellectual Property.  Pearce IP leaders are well recognised as leading IP practitioners.

Our leaders have been recognised in virtually every notable IP listing for their legal, patent and trade mark excellence including: IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, MIP IP Stars, Doyles Guide, WIPR Leaders, 5 Star IP Lawyers, Women in Law Awards – Partner of the Year, Best Lawyers and Australasian Lawyer 5 Star Awards, Women in Business Law Awards – Patent Lawyer of the Year (Asia Pacific), Most Influential Lawyers (Changemaker), among other awards.

Naomi Pearce

Naomi Pearce

CEO, Executive Lawyer (AU, NZ), Patent & Trade Mark Attorney (AU, NZ)

Naomi is the founder of Pearce IP, and is one of Australia’s leading IP practitioners.   Naomi is a market leading, strategic, commercially astute, patent lawyer, patent attorney and trade mark attorney, with over 25 years’ experience, and a background in molecular biology/biochemistry.  Ranked in virtually every notable legal directory, highly regarded by peers and clients, with a background in molecular biology, Naomi is renown for her successful and elegant IP/legal strategies.

Among other awards, Naomi is ranked in Chambers, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, is a MIP “Patent Star”, and is recognised as a WIPR Leader for patents and trade marks. Naomi is the 2023 Lawyers Weekly “IP Partner of the Year”, the 2022 Lexology client choice award recipient for Life Sciences, the 2022 Asia Pacific Women in Business Law “Patent Lawyer of the Year” and the 2021 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law SME “Partner of the Year”.  Naomi is the founder of Pearce IP, which commenced in 2017 and won 2021 “IP Team of the Year” at the Australian Law Awards.

Chris Vindurampulle PhD

Chris Vindurampulle PhD

Executive, Patent & Trade Mark Attorney

Chris is a senior Patent and Trade Mark Attorney who is registered to practice before the intellectual property offices of Australia and New Zealand.  He is experienced in patent drafting, patent and trade mark prosecution and opposition, and freedom to operate, opinion and due diligence work.  Through his experience and delivery of highly-regarded client service, Chris has been recognised as a leading patent practitioner having been listed in the IAM Patent 1000 as a recommended individual for patent prosecution, and a Rising Star in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by Managing IP.

BioBlast w/e 23 Oct 23

Celltrion announced that the FDA has approved its subcutaneous formulation of Zymfentra® (infliximab -dyyb), biosimilar to Janssen’s Remicade®, as maintenance treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) following treatment with an IV infliximab.  This is the first FDA approved subcutaneous formulation of infliximab.  Zymfentra® is marketed as Remsima SC® in Europe.

On 2 October 2023, Celltrion announced that the FDA approved Yuflyma®, biosimilar to AbbVie’s Humira® (adalimumab), in 20mg (pre-filled syringe) and 80mg (pre-filled autoinjector and pre-filled syringe) dosage forms.

On 1 November 2023, changes introduced following the March 2023 PBAC meeting will take effect with a view to encouraging biosimilar uptake in Australia.  This will simplify the procedure for prescribers for obtaining authority to prescribe (ie an authority script) for certain biosimilar medicines which are reimbursed under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).   The affected medicines are:

The intention of these changes is to encourage greater use of biosimilars by easing the administrative burden for prescribers to obtain the necessary authority. For initial therapy with a biosimilar, authority from Services Australia may be obtained by telephone or online with immediate effect, rather than in writing. The requirement to obtain prior authority to prescribe the biosimilar for continuing therapy will be removed, with the requirement now ‘Authority Required (Streamlined)’.

For the rheumatoid arthritis medicines, in general brand substitution of a biosimilar with the reference brand will not be permitted where the approval was by telephone, online or by Streamlined prescription. An exception applies for subsequent continuing therapy where substitution is permitted by the prescriber.

Regeneron and Sanofi announced that that FDA has issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) regarding the sBLA for Dupixent® (dupilumab) for use in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).  Regeneron and Sanofi said FDA’s CRL requires additional efficacy data to support an approval, but did not identify any issues with safety or manufacturing.  The companies confirmed that the ongoing clinical trial is enrolling patients, and results are expected in late 2024.  According to Regeneron and Sanofi, these trials should provide the additional efficacy data required by the FDA.

On 11 July 2023 Sanofi received MA for Dupixent® in India to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are contraindicated.

The FDA has issued Samsung Biologics with a Form 483 containing six key observations following site inspections on 21-25, 28-31 August and 1 September 2023.  A Form 483 is issued to companies at the conclusion of an FDA inspection if conditions may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts.  A Form 483 does not constitute a final FDA determination of violation of the FD&C Act or any relevant regulations.  Fierce Pharma has reported that Samsung is taking the FDA’s concerns seriously and has “developed a comprehensive plan” to address the manufacturing shortfalls swiftly.

The Korea Herald reported that Samsung Bioepis has launched Epysqli®, its biosimilar to AstraZeneca/Alexion’s Soliris® (eculizumab) in three European countries.  Samsung Bioepis confirmed it is preparing to launch Epysqli® in France and the Netherlands by the end of 2023.

Samsung Bioepis’ Epysqli® was approved by the EMA on 30 May 2023.

Merck and Daiichi Sankyo announced a global development and commercialisation collaboration involving Daiichi’s three deruxtecan antibody-drug conjugate candidates: patritumab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan and raludotatug deruxtecan. The companies will jointly develop and commercialise the candidates around the world, except for Japan, where Daiichi retains exclusive commercialisation rights. Daiichi is solely responsible for manufacture and supply.

Merck will pay Daiichi a US$4B upfront payment and US$1.5B in continuation payments over the next 24 months. Contingent on Daiichi meeting future milestones, Merck may make additional payments of up to US$16.5B, reaching a total potential consideration of up to US$22B.

On 18 October 2023, the EC approved AstraZeneca/Daiichi’s (trastuzumab deruxtecan) for a new indication as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Enhertu® (trastuzumab deruxtecan) to treat a new indication: monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have an activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutation and who require systemic therapy following platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy.

The EMA’s CHMP recommended the indication extension for Enhertu® on 15 September 2023.

AstraZeneca announced that the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Soliris® (eculizumab) to treat a new indication: neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).  Soliris® is the first and only complement inhibitor approved for the treatment of NMOSD in China.

On 24 August 2023 Soliris® was approved in Japan for a new indication to treat paediatric patients with generalised myasthenia gravis.

The FDA approved Amgen’s Enbrel® (etanercept) on 18 October 2023 for a new indication: active juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) in paediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

On 21 March 2023, one of the largest studies to date examining etanercept biosimilar/originator outcomes found that Biogen’s Benepali® and Novartis’ Erelzi® demonstrated comparable efficacy to Enbrel®.   Erelzi® was the first etanercept biosimilar approved by the FDA on 30 August 2016, with  Samsung Bioepis’ Eticovo® (marketed as Benepali® in Europe) receiving FDA approval on 25 April 2019.

On 17 October 2023, AbbVie announced that Health Canada has approved its Rinvoq® (upadacitinib) to for new indication: moderate to severely active Crohn’s disease.  This follows the recent Canadian approval (9 May 2023), of Rinvoq® for the treatment of Active Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis.

The FDA approved Rinvoq® for moderate to severely active Crohn’s disease on 18 May 2023.

Korea Biomed has reported that US pharmacy provider CarePartners Pharmacy will exclusively supply Celltrion’s biosimilar adalimumab (Yuflyma®) in the US.  It has removed AbbVie’s Humira® from its product line.  The partnership will be relevant to the supply of adalimumab to more than 10 million patients linked with CarePartners.

On 5 October 2023, Celltrion USA announced that Ventegra® listed Yuflyma® as a “preferred drug” from early October 2023.

Merck made two announcements regarding new indications approved for Keytruda® (pembrolizumab):

  • In the US the FDA granted approval for the treatment of patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. This brings the total number of NSCLC-related indications for Keytruda® in the US to six.
  • In Europe the European Commission (EC) granted approval for Keytruda® as a monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults with SCLC) who are at high risk of recurrence following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy.
Naomi Pearce

Naomi Pearce

CEO, Executive Lawyer (AU, NZ), Patent & Trade Mark Attorney (AU, NZ)

Naomi is the founder of Pearce IP, and is one of Australia’s leading IP practitioners.   Naomi is a market leading, strategic, commercially astute, patent lawyer, patent attorney and trade mark attorney, with over 25 years’ experience, and a background in molecular biology/biochemistry.  Ranked in virtually every notable legal directory, highly regarded by peers and clients, with a background in molecular biology, Naomi is renown for her successful and elegant IP/legal strategies.

Among other awards, Naomi is ranked in Chambers, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, is a MIP “Patent Star”, and is recognised as a WIPR Leader for patents and trade marks. Naomi is the 2023 Lawyers Weekly “IP Partner of the Year”, the 2022 Lexology client choice award recipient for Life Sciences, the 2022 Asia Pacific Women in Business Law “Patent Lawyer of the Year” and the 2021 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law SME “Partner of the Year”.  Naomi is the founder of Pearce IP, which commenced in 2017 and won 2021 “IP Team of the Year” at the Australian Law Awards.

Sian Hope

Sian Hope

Lawyer

Sian is a life sciences focussed intellectual property lawyer with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries. Her practice is primarily in patent litigation, but includes non-contentious patent matters, trade mark matters, health regulatory legal matters and consumer law.

FDA Designates Samsung Bioepis/Biogen’s Ranibizumab Biosimilar as Interchangeable with Lucentis®

FDA has approved Samsung Bioepis’ sBLA for Byooviz®, as an interchangeable biosimilar to Genentech’s Lucentis® (ranibiziumab) across all approved indications.  Byooviz® was developed by Biogen and is being supplied by Samsung Bioepis under a deal inked in 2019 covering the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia.  Byooviz® was FDA approved on 20 September 2021 and launched in the US on 2 June 2022.  FDA has approved Samsung Bioepis’ sBLA for Byooviz®, as an interchangeable biosimilar to Genentech’s Lucentis® (ranibiziumab) across all approved indications.  Byooviz® was developed by Biogen and is being supplied by Samsung Bioepis under a deal inked in 2019 covering the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia.  Byooviz® was FDA approved on 20 September 2021 and launched in the US on 2 June 2022.

Samsung Biologics and Kurma Partners Ink ‘Multi-Year’ Partnership for Biologics Development and Manufacturing

Samsung Biologics announced that it has entered a strategic agreement with European VC firm Kurma Partners to develop and manufacture biologics.  Samsung Biologics will provide chemistry, manufacturing, control and development services to Kurma’s companies under the multi-year deal.

On 18 September 2023, Samsung Biologics announced a new agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb for large-scale manufacturing of a BMS antibody cancer drug.

Roche, Genentech, Chugai and Biogen Settle Actemra® (tocilizumab) Litigation

Roche, Genentech, Chugai and Biogen have settled their dispute in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts regarding Genentech’s Actemra® (tocilizumab) patents.  Roche, Genentech and Chugai instigated proceedings on 23 July 2023, alleging that Biogen’s product, manufactured in China by Bio-Thera, infringed 20 US patents including US patent No 7521052 (method of treating rheumatoid arthritis) and US patent No 8398980 (IL-6R antibody subtype).

Biogen received FDA approval for Tofidence®, its biosimilar to Roche’s Actemra®/ RoActemra® on 30 September 2023, the only approved biosimilar tocilizumab in the US.

Approval Alert: FDA Approves Celltrion’s Zymfentra® (infliximab-dyyb), Biosimilar to Janssen’s Remicade®, and the First Approved SC Infliximab

Celltrion announced that the FDA has approved its subcutaneous formulation of Zymfentra® (infliximab -dyyb), biosimilar to Janssen’s Remicade®, as maintenance treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) following treatment with an IV infliximab.  This is the first FDA approved subcutaneous formulation of infliximab.  Zymfentra® is marketed as Remsima SC® in Europe.

On 2 October 2023, Celltrion announced that the FDA approved Yuflyma®, biosimilar to AbbVie’s Humira® (adalimumab), in 20mg (pre-filled syringe) and 80mg (pre-filled autoinjector and pre-filled syringe) dosage forms.

PBS ‘Authority Script’ Changes in Australia to Promote Uptake of Biosimilars

On 1 November 2023, changes introduced following the March 2023 PBAC meeting will take effect with a view to encouraging biosimilar uptake in Australia.  This will simplify the procedure for prescribers for obtaining authority to prescribe (ie an authority script) for certain biosimilar medicines which are reimbursed under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).   The affected medicines are:

The intention of these changes is to encourage greater use of biosimilars by easing the administrative burden for prescribers to obtain the necessary authority.  For initial therapy with a biosimilar, authority from Services Australia may be obtained by telephone or online with immediate effect, rather than in writing.  The requirement to obtain prior authority to prescribe the biosimilar for continuing therapy will be removed, with the requirement now ‘Authority Required (Streamlined)’.

For the rheumatoid arthritis medicines, in general brand substitution of a biosimilar with the reference brand will not be permitted where the approval was by telephone, online or by Streamlined prescription.  An exception applies for subsequent continuing therapy where substitution is permitted by the prescriber.

Regeneron and Sanofi Receive CRL from FDA for Dupixent® (dupilumab) in CSU

Regeneron and Sanofi announced that that FDA has issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) regarding the sBLA for Dupixent® (dupilumab) for use in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).  Regeneron and Sanofi said FDA’s CRL requires additional efficacy data to support an approval, but did not identify any issues with safety or manufacturing.  The companies confirmed that the ongoing clinical trial is enrolling patients, and results are expected in late 2024.  According to Regeneron and Sanofi, these trials should provide the additional efficacy data required by the FDA.

On 11 July 2023 Sanofi received MA for Dupixent® in India to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are contraindicated.

Samsung Biologics Receives Form 483 From FDA Over South Korean Manufacturing Site

The FDA has issued Samsung Biologics with a Form 483 containing six key observations following site inspections on 21-25, 28-31 August and 1 September 2023.  A Form 483 is issued to companies at the conclusion of an FDA inspection if conditions may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts.  A Form 483 does not constitute a final FDA determination of violation of the FD&C Act or any relevant regulations.  Fierce Pharma has reported that Samsung is taking the FDA’s concerns seriously and has “developed a comprehensive plan” to address the manufacturing shortfalls swiftly.

PTAB Institutes Samsung Bioepis IPR Against Regeneron’s Eylea® (aflibercept) Patent

The US Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has instituted Samsung Bioepis’ inter partes review (IPR) against Regeneron’s Eylea® (aflibercept) patent no. 10,888,601 in IPR proceeding IPR2023-00739.  The ‘601 patent relates to methods of use of aflibercept in treating age related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy and angiogenic eye disorders.

On 18 August 2023 Samsung Bioepis filed an IPR petition against Regeneron’s Eylea® patent no. 10,464,992 and sought joinder with the Celltrion IPR filed against the same Regeneron patent on 17 January 2023.

Merck and Daiichi Sankyo Ink US$22B Global Commercialisation Deal for Three Deruxtecan Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Merck and Daiichi Sankyo announced a global development and commercialisation collaboration involving Daiichi’s three deruxtecan antibody-drug conjugate candidates: patritumab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan and raludotatug deruxtecan. The companies will jointly develop and commercialise the candidates around the world, except for Japan, where Daiichi retains exclusive commercialisation rights. Daiichi is solely responsible for manufacture and supply.

Merck will pay Daiichi a US$4B upfront payment and US$1.5B in continuation payments over the next 24 months. Contingent on Daiichi meeting future milestones, Merck may make additional payments of up to US$16.5B, reaching a total potential consideration of up to US$22B.

On 18 October 2023, the EC approved AstraZeneca/Daiichi’s (trastuzumab deruxtecan) for a new indication as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

New Indication Alert: EC Approves AZ/Daiichi Sankyo’s Enhertu® (trastuzumab deruxtecan) for NSCLC

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Enhertu® (trastuzumab deruxtecan) to treat a new indication: monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have an activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutation and who require systemic therapy following platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy.

The EMA’s CHMP recommended the indication extension for Enhertu® on 15 September 2023.