Mundipharma and its network of independent associated companies will launch Truxima (rituximab) in the UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg, following authorisation by the EMA.
Truxima is the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody authorised by the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of cancers, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.1,2
The marketing authorisation of Truxima was granted by the EMA on the basis of a rigorous comparability exercise that included preclinical and clinical testing. As a result, it has been demonstrated via quality, nonclinical and clinical data that all major physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of Truxima were comparable to those of the reference product. Like the reference product, Truxima is therefore authorised for the treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.2
Monoclonal antibodies are biologics – large, complex molecules isolated from natural sources, human, animal or microorganism. Biologics have led to significant improvements in the treatment of cancers since their introduction in 1998, but growing usage has resulted in a high financial burden on European healthcare systems at a time when newer innovative cancer therapies are also competing for funding in cost conscious times.
In 2015, the reference product (Mabthera) was the world’s top selling cancer drug, costing healthcare systems over US$7.1 billion worldwide.5 As Truxima is intended to cost less than the reference product, it is hoped that cost savings from using a biosimilar rituximab will enable access for patients in need of new innovative cancer therapies.6
Truxima is the second biosimilar monoclonal antibody to be marketed and distributed by the Mundipharma network in Europe, having launched infliximab, the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody, in 2015.
“Mundipharma is constantly seeking opportunities to develop and commercialise sustainable, responsible medicines for a complex and cost conscious world,” said Antony Mattessich, Managing Director, Mundipharma International Limited. “With our global reach, European expertise and proven track record, we are an attractive partner for any companies looking to commercialise biosimilars in Europe and are looking forward to further expand our portfolio in this complex and rapidly growing area.”
References
- EMA. Human Medicines. Truxima [last accessed February 2017]
- Truxima concentrate for solution for infusion summary of product characteristics [last accessed February 2017]
- Mabthera Summary of Product Characteristics. Available online at: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/2570 [last accessed January 2017]
- IMS Institute. Delivering on the Potential of Biosimilar Medicines. March 2016. Available at: http://www.imshealth.com/files/web/IMSH%20Institute/Healthcare%20Briefs/… [last accessed January 2017]
- Pharmaceutical Technology. The world’s most sold cancer drugs in 2015. Available at: http://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/featurethe-worlds-most… [last accessed January 2017]
- Laslop A. Biosimilar monoclonal antibodies—challenges and opportunities in Europe. GaBI Journal. 2013; 2: 110–111
