Monoclonal Antibody Biosimilars for Cancer Treatment

Overview

Journal iScience

Publisher Cell Press

Date 2024 Jul 8

PMID 38974466

Authors

Linda N Broer

Daan G Knapen

Derk-Jan A de Groot

Peter G M Mol

Jos G W Kosterink

Elisabeth G E de Vries

Marjolijn N Lub-de Hooge

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies are important cancer medicines. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved 48 and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 56 anticancer monoclonal antibody-based therapies. Their high prices burden healthcare systems and hamper global drug access. Biosimilars could retain costs and expand the availability of monoclonal antibodies. In Europe, five rituximab biosimilars, six trastuzumab biosimilars, and eight bevacizumab biosimilars are available as anti-cancer drugs. To gain insight into the biosimilar landscape for cancer treatment, we performed a literature search and analysis. In this review, we summarize cancer monoclonal antibodies' properties crucial for the desired pharmacology and point out sources of variability. The analytical assessment of all EMA-approved bevacizumab biosimilars is highlighted to illustrate this variability. The global landscape of investigational and approved biosimilars is mapped, and the challenges for access to cancer biosimilars are identified.

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