BioBlast®

Coherus released its Q420 and Full Year 2020 financial results. Coherus reported it has captured 21% of the pegfilgrastim market and nearly 50% of the pre-filled syringe segment in the US. Additionally, Coherus announced it plans to file its BLA for its ranibizumab biosimilar mid-year 2021. Coherus also confirmed that it plans to launch its adalimumab biosimilar in the US on or after July 1, 2023.

Samsung Bioepis and Biogen announce the FDA has accepted for review the BLA for SB11 (proposed ranibizumab biosimilar).

Samsung Bioepis announces one-year results from Ph III study of SB11 (proposed ranibizumab biosimilar) at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2020 Virtual. Samsung reported the data confirms equivalence in efficacy and pharmocokinetics as well as a comparable safety and immunogenicity profile.

Formycon announces its BLA resubmission strategy for FYB201 (proposed ranibizumab biosimilar) has been adjusted. The approval will now be requested directly for a large commercial scale, which Formycon and Bioeq expect will simplify the approval procedure.

Samsung Bioepis and Biogen announce the European Medicines Agency has accepted for review its Marketing Authorisation Application for SB11 (proposed ranibizumab biosimilar).

Regenxbio announces it has commenced dosing in Ph II trials comparing RGX-314 to monthly ranibizumab injections. RGX-314 is being developed as a novel, one-time subretinal treatment for wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy.

Generics update reports Xbrane is aiming to file an application for Xlucane® (biosimilar ranibizumab) in Europe and the US, and to license the product in Latin America, Japan and China in the next 12 months.

Healio reports the results of the UK Kings College/NHS Trust MERLOT trial demonstrated there was no benefit to epimacular brachytherapy as an adjunct to anti-VEGF injections, the results of which were worse than ranibizumab monotherapy, for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

The Centre for Biosimilars reports that Polpharma is planning to file a modified application for FYB201 (biosimilar ranibizumab candidate) to the FDA within the next year.

Genentech publishes the results from its Ph III Archway study, evaluating its Port Delivery System (PDS) with ranibizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).  Genentech reported that 98.4% of patients were able to go six months without requiring additional treatment, and achieved vision outcomes equivalent to patients receiving monthly ranibizumab eye injections.

Novartis releases its Q2 FY20 financial results, reporting COVID-19 negatively impacted demand for Lucentis® (ranibizumab).

Samsung Bioepis announces 24-week interim results from a Ph III trial of SB11 (a proposed ranibizumab biosimilar) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Samsung Bioepis announced that the primary endpoints of the trial were met, suggesting that SB11 will be a valuable treatment option for nAMD.

Formycon releases an update on its biosimilar portfolio. In the statement, Formycon confirmed it is continuing to work with license partner Bioeq on a resubmission of the BLA for FYB201 (proposed ranibizumab biosimilar).

Bausch + Lomb announce it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with STADA and Xbrane Biopharma for the development and commercialisation of a ranibizumab biosimilar. Under the agreement, Xbrane and STADA will be jointly responsible for finalising development of the biosimilar, with Xbrane to provide commercial supply and Bausch + Lomb responsible for sales, marketing and all other commercialisation efforts.

Xbrane announces it is continuing clinical trials of its ranibizumab candidate and remained on-track for target dates for regulatory filings despite CoVid-19.

The UK High Court rules filing errors in a Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) for Lucentis® (ranibizumab) have cut almost two years from Roche/Genentech’s protection in the UK. These errors arose when a third party engaged by Roche/Genentech failed to pay the full lump sum fees at the start of the SPC term.

Genentech announces that in response to CoVid-19, it would extend physician payment terms for Lucentis® (ranibizumab) purchases to 120 days, up from the previous 60 day term. These new terms will be implemented from 01 April, 2020, as well as retroactively for Lucentis® purchased on or after March 1, 2020.

Genentech and Roche commence Ph III clinical trials of ranibizumab Port Delivery System (PDS) in patients with diabetic macular edema. The PDS uses a refillable eye implant to release a ranibizumab formulation over several months.

Coherus and Bioeq announce licensing agreement for Lucentis® (ranibizumab) in the US. Under the agreement, Bioeq will receive upfront and launch milestone payments, with both parties sharing the profits.

Biogen and Samsung Bioepis announce partnership for the commercialisation of biosimilars ranibizumab and aflibercept. The agreement covers the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. Under the agreement, Biogen will make one $100M upfront payment, with up to $210M payable at additional development, regulatory and sales-based milestones.

New study compares short-term effects of Lucentis® with biosimilar, Razumab® on vision and central foveal thickness (CFT). The study reveals that after one month,  CFT improved in 85.7% of the ranibizumab biosimilar group, and in 86.8% of the ranibizumab group.

Novartis announces positive CHMP opinion for additional indication of Lucentis®: the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants.

Xbrane commences Phase III trials for biosimilar ranibizumab candidate Xlucane®.