Erythropoietin biosimilars in oncology
Fiche publication
Date publication
juin 2009
Auteurs
Membres identifiés du Cancéropôle Est :
Pr MERLIN Jean-Louis
Tous les auteurs :
Merlin JL, Grivel T
Lien Pubmed
Résumé
Erythropoiesis stimulating agents are frequently used in oncology to treat anemia and to reduce the need for transfusions in chemotherapy-treated patients. As with many other biotech drugs, their patent expiration leads to the arrival on the market of generic versions of the original products, called "biosimilars". Much higher levels in clinical and manufacturing standards are needed for biosimilars than for traditional generics before approval by the authorities and prescription to patients. Because of structural modifications due to molecular complexity, erythropoietin biosimilars cannot be completely identical to the original drugs. The lack of clinical experience means we must be particularly careful when substituting biosimilar agents for branded drugs and monitor their prescription very closely.
Référence
Oncologie. 2009 Jun;11(6):363-8