Biosimilars Regulation in the United States and FDA Approved Biosimilars from 2015-2018

Abstract

Background: Biological products are the chemicals in the form of medicines that are prepared from the living cells through highly intricate manufacturing techniques that should be handled and managed under favorable conditions. The regulation of the biosimilar products consists of significant challenges, since they are part of the growing sector of the pharmaceutical industry and normally used by human beings. The regulatory framework and the technical requirements of the US biosimilars program involve a stepwise approach that relies heavily on analytical methods to demonstrate through a “totality of the evidence” that a proposed product is biosimilar to its reference product. By integrating analytical, pharmacological, and clinical data, each of which has limitations, a high level of confidence can be reached regarding clinical performance. The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCI Act) was passed as part of the health reform (Affordable Care Act). Objective: The current manuscript will provide the information regarding the regulation of Biosimilars products with the detail of biosimilar USER fees structure and the list of approved biosimilar by FDA from 2015- 2018. Conclusion: Research is continually developing more biological products that will help treat medical conditions or add some innovation to the existing treatment options. Biosimilars and reference products are generated in the living cells and require trained expertise as well as technology for biologics being usually highly effective compared to small molecule drugs. These are usually specific against the respective target, which generally produces lesser side effects and low toxicity. FDA’s regulatory authority for the approval of biologics is under PHS (Public Health Service Act) which are also suggested to regulate under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FD&C). Biosimilars can help expand access to high-quality treatment options for doctors and patients, as well as reduce costs for the healthcare system.