TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab), a Biosimilar Referencing ROACTEMRA®, Approved in the European Union
Biogen announced that the European Commission has approved TOFIDENCE™, a biosimilar monoclonal antibody referencing ROACTEMRA®. This approval covers its use for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and COVID-19.
TOFIDENCE's approval is based on extensive analytical, non-clinical, and clinical data, demonstrating its comparability to the reference product. Clinical trials confirmed its similar pharmacokinetic, safety, and efficacy profiles.
This addition enhances Biogen's immunology biosimilars portfolio, aiming to provide more treatment options and potential cost savings in European healthcare systems.
- European Commission's approval of TOFIDENCE enhances Biogen's portfolio.
- TOFIDENCE offers a new treatment option for several inflammatory diseases.
- Clinical trials verified TOFIDENCE's safety and efficacy comparable to the reference product.
- Potential cost savings for healthcare systems in Europe.
- None.
Insights
The approval of TOFIDENCE by the European Commission represents a significant step for Biogen, expanding their portfolio of biosimilars. This approval is particularly noteworthy as TOFIDENCE addresses diseases such as moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and COVID-19, all of which have substantial patient populations in need of accessible treatment options.
From a medical perspective, the rigorous clinical trials and extensive analytical characterization that TOFIDENCE underwent to demonstrate its comparability to ROACTEMRA ensure that the biosimilar meets high standards of efficacy and safety. This thorough validation process is important for building trust among healthcare providers and patients, as biosimilars must prove they are as effective and safe as the original biologic product they reference.
One unique insight is the potential impact of this drug in the COVID-19 treatment landscape. Given the ongoing nature of the pandemic and the need for effective treatments, TOFIDENCE’s approval for COVID-19 provides an additional therapeutic option that could alleviate strain on healthcare systems and offer more affordable access to treatment.
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From a financial standpoint, the approval of TOFIDENCE is poised to offer Biogen multiple advantages. Firstly, by expanding its biosimilar portfolio, Biogen can diversify its revenue streams, which is increasingly important given the competitive pressures and patent expirations facing the pharma industry. Biosimilars tend to have lower price points compared to original biologics, which can lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare systems. This makes them an attractive option for both public and private payers.
Secondly, the European market is particularly receptive to biosimilars, with supportive regulatory frameworks and a growing acceptance among healthcare professionals. This approval could thus translate into significant market penetration and revenue growth for Biogen. However, it's important to consider market competition; other biosimilars referencing ROACTEMRA may also be vying for market share, which could impact TOFIDENCE's pricing power and overall market uptake.
Overall, the strategic move to capitalize on the biosimilars market aligns well with Biogen’s long-term growth objectives. It could mitigate revenue risks associated with their existing product portfolio and provide a stable, growing revenue stream.
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- TOFIDENCE™ complements existing portfolio of immunology biosimilars commercialized by Biogen
Cambridge, Mass., June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted approval for TOFIDENCETM, a biosimilar monoclonal antibody referencing ROACTEMRA®1. The intravenous formulation of TOFIDENCE has been granted marketing authorization by the EC for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and COVID-19.
“The approval of TOFIDENCE offers European patients with several inflammatory and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases access to an additional affordable biologic treatment option with comparable safety and efficacy to the approved reference product,” said Ian Henshaw, Global Head of Biosimilars at Biogen. “By adding TOFIDENCE to our growing biosimilars portfolio, we can provide greater choice to physicians and patients whilst offering the potential for significant cost-savings across healthcare systems in Europe.”
The EC approval of TOFIDENCE is based on the totality of evidence comprising a comprehensive analytical, non-clinical and clinical data package. Extensive analytical characterization of the structural, physicochemical, and biological properties of TOFIDENCE was conducted and supports comparability with the reference biologic product. Additionally, a randomized double-blind, single-dose, three-arm, parallel group Phase 1 study compared the pharmacokinetics, safety and immunogenicity of TOFIDENCE with both the EU and US reference tocilizumab in healthy volunteers, while a randomized, double-blind, multi-dose, three-arm, parallel group Phase 3 study compared TOFIDENCE with tocilizumab to establish equivalent efficacy and comparable pharmacokinetic, safety and immunogenicity profiles, in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis inadequately controlled by methotrexate. The totality of evidence demonstrated TOFIDENCE is a biosimilar of the reference biologic.
Biogen and Bio-Thera entered into a commercialization and licensing agreement for TOFIDENCE (BAT1806/BIIB800) in April 2021. Under the agreement, Biogen has exclusive regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial rights to TOFIDENCE in all countries excluding China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
About TOFIDENCE (tocilizumab)
TOFIDENCE (tocilizumab), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, is a treatment developed as a biosimilar to the reference product ROACTEMRA. TOFIDENCE is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and COVID-19.
Indications
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have an inadequate response to, or who were intolerant to, previous therapy with one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.
Adult patients with severe, active and progressive RA not previously treated with methotrexate (MTX).
In these patients, TOFIDENCE can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PJIA)
Patients 2 years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with MTX. In these patients, TOFIDENCE™ can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with methotrexate (MTX) is inappropriate.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA)
Patients 2 years of age and older with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with NSAIDs and systemic corticosteroids. TOFIDENCE™ can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)
Adult patients who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
About Biogen
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.
We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.biogen.com. Follow us on social media - Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube.
Biogen Safe Harbor
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, relating to the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of TOFIDENCE; potential benefits of our collaboration with Bio-Thera; risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization; the potential of Biogen’s commercial business and pipeline programs; Biogen’s strategy and plans; and potential cost healthcare savings related to biosimilars. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible,” “will,” “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including without limitation, risks that risks of unexpected costs or delays or other unexpected hurdles; uncertainty of success in the commercialization of TOFIDENCE™, which may be impacted by, among other things, unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data or analysis, the occurrence of adverse safety events, failure to obtain regulatory approvals in certain jurisdictions, failure to protect and enforce data, intellectual property and other proprietary rights and uncertainties relating to intellectual property claims and challenges; risks of legal actions, regulatory scrutiny or other challenges to biosimilars; the risks of doing business internationally, including currency exchange rate fluctuations; product liability claims; and third party collaboration risks. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from Biogen’s expectations in any forward-looking statement. Investors should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors identified in Biogen’s most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports Biogen has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Biogen does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.
References:
- RoActemra® is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.
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