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Malheiro V, Duarte J, Veiga F, Mascarenhas-Melo F. Exploiting Pharma 4.0 Technologies in the Non-Biological Complex Drugs Manufacturing: Innovations and Implications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2545. [PMID: 38004525 PMCID: PMC10674941 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry has entered an era of transformation with the emergence of Pharma 4.0, which leverages cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing processes. These hold tremendous potential for enhancing the overall efficiency, safety, and quality of non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs), a category of pharmaceutical products that pose unique challenges due to their intricate composition and complex manufacturing requirements. This review attempts to provide insight into the application of select Pharma 4.0 technologies, namely machine learning, in silico modeling, and 3D printing, in the manufacturing process of NBCDs. Specifically, it reviews the impact of these tools on NBCDs such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, glatiramer acetate, iron carbohydrate complexes, and nanocrystals. It also addresses regulatory challenges associated with the implementation of these technologies and presents potential future perspectives, highlighting the incorporation of digital twins in this field of research as it seems to be a very promising approach, namely for the optimization of NBCDs manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Malheiro
- Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (V.M.); (J.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Joana Duarte
- Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (V.M.); (J.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (V.M.); (J.D.); (F.V.)
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
- Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (V.M.); (J.D.); (F.V.)
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Higher School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Rua da Cadeia, 6300-307 Guarda, Portugal
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Schwalb L, Tiemann O, Käfer U, Gröger T, Rüger CP, Gayko G, Zimmermann R. Analysis of complex drugs by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry: detailed chemical description of the active pharmaceutical ingredient sodium bituminosulfonate and its process intermediates. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 415:2471-2481. [PMID: 36401638 PMCID: PMC10149445 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04393-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe European pharmacopeia provides analytical methods for the chemical characterization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, the complexity of some APIs exceeds the limitations of the currently prevailing physicochemical methods. Sodium bituminosulfonate (SBS) is described by the collection of key parameters of generalizing criteria such as dry matter, sulfur and sodium content, and neutrality, but techniques to unravel the complexity on a molecular level are lacking. We present a study based on online derivatization with tetramethylammonium hydroxide in combination with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to an electron ionization high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC-HR-ToF–MS) for the chemical description of SBS as well as its process intermediates. The application of GC × GC allowed the comprehensive description of the chemical components in the API and the process intermediates for the first time. Furthermore, it was possible to classify peaks regarding their elemental and structural composition based on accurate mass information, elution behavior, and mass fragmentation pattern. This work demonstrates not only the general applicability, advantages but also limitations of GC × GC for the characterization of APIs for complex drugs.
Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schwalb
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Cooperation Group "Comprehensive Molecular Analytics" (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ole Tiemann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Käfer
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Cooperation Group "Comprehensive Molecular Analytics" (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Now at: Leibniz-Institute of Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Gröger
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Cooperation Group "Comprehensive Molecular Analytics" (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Christopher Paul Rüger
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Guido Gayko
- Ichthyol-Gesellschaft, Cordes, Hermanni & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Cooperation Group "Comprehensive Molecular Analytics" (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Zagalo DM, Sousa J, Simões S. Quality by Design (QbD) Approach in Marketing Authorization Procedures of Non-Biological Complex Drugs: A Critical Evaluation. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 178:1-24. [PMID: 35908664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of innovator-driven complex drug products, such as Non-Biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs), has provided disruptive advances in the Nanotechnology and Biotechnology fields. However, the design and development of NBCDs can be particularly challenging due to some unresolved scientific and regulatory challenges associated with the pharmaceutical quality assessment. The application of a more holistic, systematic, integrated science and risk-based approach, such as Quality by Design (QbD), is essential to address key scientific, technological, and regulatory constraints in the research and development of the NBCDs. The deeper product and process understanding derived from the implementation of the QbD approach ensures consistent, reliable, and high-quality pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, this approach promotes innovation and continuous improvement in the entire product lifecycle. Regulatory authorities highly recommend QbD-based submissions to successfully translate NBCDs from laboratory-scale research to the pharmaceutical market with the required quality, safety, and efficacy standards. The main aim of this article is to obtain a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into the state of implementation of the QbD approach in the pharmaceutical development and marketing authorization of NBCDs in Europe and the United States, through the analysis of the available data from their regulatory dossiers. In addition, it aims to understand and discuss how the QbD approach is used and implemented for complex drug products in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the gaps and challenges involved with its implementation. An analysis is held regarding QbD's advantages in terms of knowledge growth, regulatory flexibility, and the speed of development based on big data science, along with the reduction of regulatory failures and market withdrawals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M Zagalo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica, São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Simões
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica, São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal
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Zagalo DM, Simões S, Sousa J. Regulatory Science Approach in Pharmaceutical Development of Follow-On Versions of Non-Biological Complex Drug Products. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:2687-2713. [PMID: 35901943 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Scientific and technological breakthroughs in the field of Nanotechnology have been a driving force throughout the development and approval of Non-Biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs). However, the fast-growing expansion of NBCDs and the emergence of their follow-on versions have brought with them several scientific, technological, and regulatory challenges. The definition of NBCDs is still not officially recognized by the regulatory authorities, and there is no dedicated regulatory pathway addressing the particular features of NBCDs and their follow-on versions. The lack of clear and consistent regulatory guidance documents in this field, as well as, the inconsistency across different regulatory agencies, impact negatively on the acceptance and enormous potential of these drug products. Patient access to high-quality NBCDs follow-on versions may be compromised by regulatory uncertainty resulting from the use of different regulatory approaches across the globe, as well as within the same class of products. Accordingly, there is a real need to develop a specific regulatory pathway compliant with the complexity of NBCDs and their follow-on versions or, alternatively, make better use of available regulatory pathways. The main goal of the review is to deeply investigate and provide a critical overview of the regulatory landscape of NBCDs and follow-on versions currently adopted by the regulatory authorities. The dissemination of knowledge and discussion in this field can contribute to clarifying regulations, policies, and regulatory approaches to complex generics, thereby filling regulatory and scientific gaps in the establishment of therapeutic equivalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M Zagalo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica, São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal..
| | - Sérgio Simões
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica, São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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5
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Alhakamy NA, Mohamed GA, Fahmy UA, Eid BG, Al-Rabia MW, Khedr AIM, Nasrullah MZ, Ibrahim SRM, Abdel-Naim AB, Ahmed OAA, Md S. Thioctamer: a novel thioctic acid-glatiramer acetate nanoconjugate expedites wound healing in diabetic rats. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1776-1784. [PMID: 35642489 PMCID: PMC9176700 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2081382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current work aims to design thioctic acid (TA) and glatiramer acetate (GA) nanoconjugate (thioctamer) loaded hydrogel formula as well as evaluation of thioctamer preclinical efficacy in expediting wound healing in a rat model of the diabetic wound. Thioctamer was prepared by conjugation of GA and TA in a 1:1 molar ratio. Particle size, zeta potential, and thermodynamic stability of the prepared thioctamer were assessed. Thioctamer was loaded in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based hydrogel and in vitro release study was investigated. The ability of thioctamer to enhance the process of wound healing in diabetic rats was investigated by assessing wound contraction and immunohistochemical assessment of the inflammation markers IL-6 and TNF-α. The results demonstrated that thioctamer showed particle size of 137 ± 21.4 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.235, and positive zeta potential value of 7.43 ± 4.95 mV. On day 7 of making a skin excision, diabetic rat wounds administered thioctamer preparation showed almost complete healing (95.6 ± 8.6%). Meanwhile, % of wound contraction in animals treated with TA or GA groups exhibited values amounting to 56.5 ± 5.8% and 62.6 ± 7.1%, respectively. Histological investigation showed that the highest healing rate was noted in the thioctamer group animals, as the surface of the wound was nearly fully protected by regenerated epithelium with keratinization, with few inflammatory cells noticed. Thioctamer significantly (p<.05) inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α expression as compared with sections obtained from the negative control, TA, GA, or positive control group animals on day 7. The evidence of the ability of thioctamer to significantly expedite wound healing in the diabetic rats is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gamal A Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma G Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed W Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amgad I M Khedr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Z Nasrullah
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R M Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Department of Chemistry, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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A quality by design (QbD) approach in pharmaceutical development of lipid-based nanosystems: A systematic review. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hertig JB, Shah VP, Flühmann B, Mühlebach S, Stemer G, Surugue J, Moss R, Di Francesco T. Tackling the challenges of nanomedicines: are we ready? Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 78:1047-1056. [PMID: 33599767 PMCID: PMC7929390 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This review provides an overview of the proceedings of the symposium "Tackling the Challenges of Nanomedicines: Are We Ready?" organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Hospital Pharmacy Section and Non-Biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs) Working Group at the 2019 FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Debate centered on reasons underlying the current complex regulatory landscape for nanomedicines and their follow-on products (referred to as nanosimilars) and the pivotal role of hospital pharmacists in selecting, handling, and guiding usage of nanomedicines and nanosimilars. SUMMARY The evaluation and use of nanomedicines are recognized among scientific, pharmaceutical, and regulatory bodies as complex. Interchangeability and substitutability of nanomedicines and nanosimilars are confounded by a lack of pharmaceutical and pharmacological equivalence, reflecting the inherent complex nature of these drug products and manufacturing processes. Consequences include implications for clinical safety and efficacy and, ultimately, comparability. Local regulatory approvals of some nanomedicines have occurred, but there is no standard to ensure streamlined evaluation and use of consistent measures of therapeutic equivalence of reference products and their nanosimilars. Hospital pharmacists are expected to be experts in the selection, handling, and substitution of nanomedicines and familiarize themselves with the limitations of current methods of assessing pharmaceutical and clinical equivalence of nanosimilars in order to ensure informed formulary decision-making and eventual patient benefit. CONCLUSION Supportive guidance for pharmacists focusing on the substitutability and/or interchangeability of nanomedicines and their nanosimilars is needed. Current FIP guidance for pharmacists on therapeutic interchange and substitution should be extended to include nanomedicines and nanosimilars.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Hertig
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Stefan Mühlebach
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy & Epidemiology and Hospital Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gunar Stemer
- Pharmacy Department, Vienna General Hospital–Medical University Campus, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Surugue
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, Georges Renon General Hospital, Niort, France
| | - Rob Moss
- Hospital Pharmacy Section, International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, Netherlands
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Allan J, Belz S, Hoeveler A, Hugas M, Okuda H, Patri A, Rauscher H, Silva P, Slikker W, Sokull-Kluettgen B, Tong W, Anklam E. Regulatory landscape of nanotechnology and nanoplastics from a global perspective. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 122:104885. [PMID: 33617940 PMCID: PMC8121750 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology and more particularly nanotechnology-based products and materials have provided a huge potential for novel solutions to many of the current challenges society is facing. However, nanotechnology is also an area of product innovation that is sometimes developing faster than regulatory frameworks. This is due to the high complexity of some nanomaterials, the lack of a globally harmonised regulatory definition and the different scopes of regulation at a global level. Research organisations and regulatory bodies have spent many efforts in the last two decades to cope with these challenges. Although there has been a significant advancement related to analytical approaches for labelling purposes as well as to the development of suitable test guidelines for nanomaterials and their safety assessment, there is a still a need for greater global collaboration and consensus in the regulatory field. Furthermore, with growing societal concerns on plastic litter and tiny debris produced by degradation of littered plastic objects, the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on humans and the environment is an emerging issue. Despite increasing research and initial regulatory discussions on micro- and nanoplastics, there are still knowledge gaps and thus an urgent need for action. As nanoplastics can be classified as a specific type of incidental nanomaterials, current and future scientific investigations should take into account the existing profound knowledge on nanotechnology/nanomaterials when discussing issues around nanoplastics. This review was conceived at the 2019 Global Summit on Regulatory Sciences that took place in Stresa, Italy, on 24-26 September 2019 (GSRS 2019) and which was co-organised by the Global Coalition for Regulatory Science Research (GCRSR) and the European Commission's (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC). The GCRSR consists of regulatory bodies from various countries around the globe including EU bodies. The 2019 Global Summit provided an excellent platform to exchange the latest information on activities carried out by regulatory bodies with a focus on the application of nanotechnology in the agriculture/food sector, on nanoplastics and on nanomedicines, including taking stock and promoting further collaboration. Recently, the topic of micro- and nanoplastics has become a new focus of the GCRSR. Besides discussing the challenges and needs, some future directions on how new tools and methodologies can improve the regulatory science were elaborated by summarising a significant portion of discussions during the summit. It has been revealed that there are still some uncertainties and knowledge gaps with regard to physicochemical properties, environmental behaviour and toxicological effects, especially as testing described in the dossiers is often done early in the product development process, and the material in the final product may behave differently. The harmonisation of methodologies for quantification and risk assessment of nanomaterials and micro/nanoplastics, the documentation of regulatory science studies and the need for sharing databases were highlighted as important aspects to look at.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne Belz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Italy
| | - Arnd Hoeveler
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Italy
| | - Marta Hugas
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Italy
| | | | - Anil Patri
- National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
| | | | | | - William Slikker
- National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
| | | | - Weida Tong
- National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
| | - Elke Anklam
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Belgium.
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Gaspar RS, Silva-Lima B, Magro F, Alcobia A, da Costa FL, Feio J. Non-biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs): Complex Pharmaceuticals in Need of Individual Robust Clinical Assessment Before Any Therapeutic Equivalence Decision. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:590527. [PMID: 33330550 PMCID: PMC7719831 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.590527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs) are complex non-biological drugs comprised of large high molecular weight molecules and, often, nanoparticular structures (including liposomes and block-copolymer micelles). In the case of NBCDs, the entire complex is the active pharmaceutical ingredient and its properties cannot be fully characterized by physicochemical analysis. Moreover, the manufacturing process is fundamental in creating the correct originator product. The same is true for generic versions of the product. A recent appraisal of approval procedures for NBCDs "follow-on products" approved in Europe shows a diversity of regulatory pathways. In fact, three different abridged application procedures, under European legislation, were used: the generic application procedure of Article 10(1), the hybrid application procedure of Article 10(3), and the biosimilar application procedure of Article 10(4). Three informed consent applications via Article 10(c) from innovator companies of glatiramer acetate and sevelamer carbonate were submitted shortly after the approval of the first follow-on products. Furthermore, a number of "well-established use" applications [via Article 10(a)] were approved for iron sucrose and iron dextran complexes. In order to protect patients from the increased risks of NBCD products and NBCD follow-on products, two complementary approaches should be considered: (i) improving the regulatory procedures and their guidance documents within the pre-registration phase, and (ii) not considering interchangeability whenever clinical data is not available. With regards to the latter, the need for adequate safety and efficacy data might also include risk management programmes within post-approval pharmacovigilance actions. This, however, would depend on a risk appraisal that must be considered for individual medicinal products, based on the nature of the submitted relevant set of safety/efficacy data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Sá Gaspar
- Departamento de Sócio Farmácia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa,Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute for Biosciences and Bioengineering (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Silva-Lima
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernando Magro
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines (MedInUp), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Unidade de Farmacologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Armando Alcobia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Serviços Farmacêuticos, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
| | - Fernando Leal da Costa
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines (MedInUp), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Feio
- Unidade de Farmacologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Serviços Farmacêuticos, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
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Sun Z, Jiang J, Chen X. Evaluation of Therapeutic Equivalence for the Follow-On Version of Intravenously Administered Non-Biological Complex Drugs. Clin Pharmacokinet 2020; 59:995-1004. [PMID: 32328977 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-020-00889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The interchangeability evaluation for generic drugs formulated as intravenous injections normally only requires assessments of pharmaceutical equivalence (PE) when the medicinal products are simple small-molecule drugs. However, intravenously administered non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs), such as liposomes, microsphere suspension, or fat emulsion, have inherent passive disposition selectivity due to their special formulations, thereby the in vivo drug performances are improved. Because of the complexity in formulation, the in vitro pharmaceutical investigations of follow-on NBCDs are more complicated than those required for generic small-molecule drugs. In addition to qualitative and quantitative sameness of the active and inactive ingredients, it is required to comparatively study the static and kinetic microscopic particle-related physiochemical properties of the follow-on NBCDs versus the reference products. Moreover, for complex formulations that have a significant impact on the biodistribution of the drug compound, an in vivo bioequivalence (BE) study is also important. Since NBCDs that demonstrated bioequivalence through the conventional BE approach have been found inequivalent in efficacy or safety to the reference products, pivotal BE studies for follow-on NBCDs are required to take both encapsulated/total drug and free drug as the analytes to address release kinetics and biodistribution of the active pharmacological ingredient in the body. This manuscript reviews the 26 U.S. FDA published product-specific guidelines for intravenous injections. In general, these NBCDs can be stratified into four groups according to their release kinetics and ability of bio-membrane penetration. Group 1 consists of seven small-molecule, non-complex drugs; group 2 included four NBCDs with either microscale particle size or rapid dissolution property; group 3 include five loosely packed NBCDs (fat emulsions) and one quickly released ophthalmic liposomal drug; and the last group contains four cytotoxic liposomal or protein-bound NBCDs and five iron carbohydrate complexes. The requirements of the corresponding guidelines range from simple proof of PE between the test and the reference products, to a collection of studies that demonstrate the key manufacturing process (e.g. liposome loading), the particle- or vehicle-wise static and kinetic physiological characterizations, the dissolution test, and BE evaluation of both total/encapsulated drug form and free drug form between the follow-on NBCDs and their reference products. Such studies are challenging in implementation. Therefore, a variety of alternative approaches are proposed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Sun
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Jiang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China. .,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Di Francesco T, Delafontaine L, Philipp E, Lechat E, Borchard G. Iron polymaltose complexes: Could we spot physicochemical differences in medicines sharing the same active pharmaceutical ingredient? Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 143:105180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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12
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Sarwal A, Singh G, Singh K, Garg S. Recent Interventions for Nanotechnology Based Drug Products: Insights into the Regulatory Aspects. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:5219-5228. [PMID: 30652639 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190117094250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnology has been one of the most prominent forefront grounds in several traditional research areas of science and technology, and development of medicines at nanoscale can be reflected by the tremendous surge in market interest. Present outlook: Its applications include various research areas of medicine, drug delivery technology, diagnostic devices, tissue engineering and gene therapy. Along with immense advances, this technology comes with major limitations including potential immune reactivity and complex characterization of these products. Regulatory challenges: The lack of a proper regulatory perspective due to infidelities in scientific findings have led to further uncertainties and vagueness of the nanoscale domain, particularly its safety implications. Guideline scenario: Early development pathways and regulations should be a top-notch priority to help researchers fail faster and more economically. This would facilitate the peaking utility of these materials in medicine without compromising public health and environmental integrity. This review attempts to emphasize the regulatory rationales of key considerations in nanotechnology along with a portray of the present scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Sarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab, University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab, University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kirti Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab, University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Garg
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences University of South Australia, Australia
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13
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Wu HY, Ma MC, Pan YY, Shih CL, Zgoda V, Li CS, Lin LC, Liao PC. Assessing the Similarity between Random Copolymer Drug Glatiramer Acetate by Using LC-MS Data Coupling with Hypothesis Testing. Anal Chem 2019; 91:14281-14289. [PMID: 31590482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The full characterization of nonbiological complex drugs (NBCDs) is not possible, but analytical approaches are of urgent need to evaluate the similarity between different lots and compare with their follow-up versions. Here, we propose a hypothesis testing-based approach to assess the similarity/difference between random amino acid copolymer drugs using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Two glatiramer acetate (GA) drugs, commercially available Copaxone and in-house synthesized SPT, and a negative control were digested by Lys-C and followed by HILIC-MS analysis. After retention time alignment and feature identification, 1627 features matched to m/z values in an elemental composition database were considered as derived from active drug ingredients. A hypothesis testing approach, the sum of squared deviations test, was developed to process high-dimensional data derived from LC-MS spectra. The feasibility of this approach was first demonstrated by testing 5 versus 5 lots of Copaxone and Copaxone versus SPT, which suggested a significant similarity by obtaining the estimated 95th percentile of the distribution of the estimator (ρ̂(95%)) at 0.0056 (p-value = 0.0026) and 0.0026 (p-value < 0.0001), respectively. In contrast, the ρ̂ was 0.036 (p-value = 1.00), while comparing Copaxone and the negative control, implying a lack of similarity. We further synthesized nine stable isotope-labeled peptides to validate the proposed amino acid sequences in the database, demonstrating the correctness in sequence identification. The quantitation variations in our analytical procedures were determined to be 6.8-7.7%. This approach was found to have a great potential for evaluating the similarity between generic NBCDs and listed reference drugs, as well as to monitor the lot-to-lot variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yi Wu
- Instrumentation Center , National Taiwan University , Taipei 106 , Taiwan
| | - Mi-Chia Ma
- Department of Statistics , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan 701 , Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yi Pan
- Department of Statistics , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan 701 , Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lung Shih
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan 701 , Taiwan
| | - Victor Zgoda
- Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry , Moscow 119121 , Russia
| | - Chin-Shang Li
- School of Nursing , The State University of New York, University at Buffalo , Buffalo , New York 14214 , United States
| | | | - Pao-Chi Liao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan 701 , Taiwan
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14
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Vázquez-Leyva S, Vallejo-Castillo L, López-Morales CA, Herbert-Pucheta JE, Zepeda-Vallejo LG, Velasco-Velázquez M, Pavón L, Pérez-Tapia SM, Medina-Rivero E. Identity Profiling of Complex Mixtures of Peptide Products by Structural and Mass Mobility Orthogonal Analysis. Anal Chem 2019; 91:14392-14400. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Said Vázquez-Leyva
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioprocesos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Vallejo-Castillo
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioprocesos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos A. López-Morales
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioprocesos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Enrique Herbert-Pucheta
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología-Laboratorio Nacional de Investigación y Servicio Agroalimentario Forestal, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. 56230 Chapingo, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - L. Gerardo Zepeda-Vallejo
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Departamento de Farmacología y Unidad Periférica de Investigación en Biomedicina Translacional (CMN 20 de noviembre, ISSSTE), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lenin Pavón
- Laboratorio de Psicoinmunología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente. 14370 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia M. Pérez-Tapia
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioprocesos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional para Servicios Especializados de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (I+D+i) para Farmoquímicos y Biotecnológicos, LANSEIDI-FarBiotec-CONACyT. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Emilio Medina-Rivero
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioprocesos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
- Consultoría Integral y Biodesarrollo LEMAR S.A.P.I. de C.V. 03300 Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Pagès A, Porteils C, Labadens I, Parmier M, Oses S, Semely D, Bourdoncle M, Seigneuric B, Del Bello A, Juillard-Condat B. Cost-minimization analysis between intravenous iron sucrose and iron sucrose similar in hemodialysis patients. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2019; 20:281-287. [PMID: 31257944 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2019.1632193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are used to manage anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients. The interchangeability between intravenous iron sucrose preparations is still debated. We evaluated how cost and effectiveness were impacted when chronic hemodialysis patients were switched from an original iron sucrose product to an iron sucrose similar preparation. METHODS A single center sequential observational retrospective study was conducted at a French hospital. The same patients were followed during two 24-week periods (iron sucrose in period P1; and iron sucrose similar in period P2). Anemia-related treatment costs were assessed in P1 and P2 from a hospital perspective. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS Our study included 109 patients (105 analyzed patients and 4 patients with missing data). The mean hemoglobin level was not different between P1 and P2 (p = 0.92). The mean differential cost per patient was + €13.90 (P2 - P1). The factors with the biggest impact on this result were the prices of epoetin alfa and iron sucrose. CONCLUSION This cost minimization analysis suggests that for chronic hemodialysis patients, iron sucrose and iron sucrose similar have the same efficacy and that using iron sucrose similar was more expensive in 66.7% of iterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Pagès
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU de Toulouse , Toulouse, France.,UMR 1027, Inserm UPS Université de Toulouse III , Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | - Samantha Oses
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU de Toulouse , Toulouse, France
| | - Damien Semely
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU de Toulouse , Toulouse, France
| | | | - Bruno Seigneuric
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, CHU de Toulouse , Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Del Bello
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, CHU de Toulouse , Toulouse, France
| | - Blandine Juillard-Condat
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU de Toulouse , Toulouse, France.,UMR 1027, Inserm UPS Université de Toulouse III , Toulouse, France
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16
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Klein K, Stolk P, De Bruin ML, Leufkens HGM, Crommelin DJA, De Vlieger JSB. The EU regulatory landscape of non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs) follow-on products: Observations and recommendations. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 133:228-235. [PMID: 30953753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
"Non-biological complex drugs" (NBCDs), such as liposomal formulations, iron-carbohydrate complexes and glatiramoids, gained increased interest from a regulatory perspective in recent years. Similar to biologics, the quality of NBCD products is highly dependent on a robust and well-controlled manufacturing process. This provides challenges for generic drug developers to replicate NBCD products once market exclusivity of the originator product is expired. However, unlike biologics for which a consistent regulatory framework was established with the biosimilars pathway, NBCDs are not recognised as a distinct category of medicines and hence no formal regulatory pathway for their approval is defined. Currently, a "case-by-case" approach is applied for regulating NBCD follow-on products in the EU. Furthermore, NBCDs can follow a non-centralised authorisation procedure, leaving regulatory approvals to national competent authorities. This can lead to heterogeneity in the regulatory approach and outcomes when assessing NBCD follow-on products throughout the EU, which for some product classes has already resulted in some safety and efficacy implications. Here, we explore the regulatory landscape of NBCDs and their follow on products. This study shows that almost all of the 85 NBCD follow-on products available in the EU in 2018 have been approved via various non-centralised procedures. Although most NBCD follow-on products followed an Article 10(1) procedure, we clearly see a recent increase of the use of the hybrid pathway via Article 10(3). This study shows the heterogeneity in the regulatory approach taken for many NBCD follow on products. To what extent this may have consequences for their safety and efficacy evaluations is unknown and needs to be further investigated. The present study should stimulate the rethinking to design prudent regulatory pathways for NBCD follow-on products.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Klein
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Lygature, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Exon Consultancy, 1017 HL Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - P Stolk
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Lygature, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Exon Consultancy, 1017 HL Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M L De Bruin
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science (CORS) at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H G M Leufkens
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Lygature, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - D J A Crommelin
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
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17
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Rocco P, Eberini I, Musazzi UM, Franzè S, Minghetti P. Glatiramer acetate: A complex drug beyond biologics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 133:8-14. [PMID: 30902653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Complex drugs may be either biological, if the active ingredients are derived from a biological source, or non-biological, if obtained by chemical synthesis. In both cases, their quality depends considerably on the manufacturing process. In the case of Non Biological Complex Drugs (NBCDs), complexity may arise either from the active substance, as in the case of glatiramer acetate, or from other sources, such as the formulation, as in the case of liposomes. In this paper, the case of glatiramer acetate (GA) - a NBCD relevant for clinical and economic reasons - is considered and the differences between US and EU regulatory approaches to GA marketing authorization are highlighted. Indeed, though US and EU regulatory agencies have chosen a generic approach integrated with additional data the implementation is different in the two jurisdictions. In the US, the additional data required are listed in a product specific guideline and copies of Copaxone® have been approved as generics. In the EU, instead regulatory agencies followed a hybrid approach requiring an additional comparative study, and interchangeability policies and substitution schemes have been left to national agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Rocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo, 71, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto M Musazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo, 71, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Franzè
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo, 71, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Minghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo, 71, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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18
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Nanomedicines: The magic bullets reaching their target? Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 128:73-80. [PMID: 30465818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicines, since the approval of the first one in the 1950s, have been accompanied by expectations of higher efficiency and efficacy, compared to less complex drugs. The fulfilment of those expectations has been slower than anticipated, due to the high complexity of nanomedicine drugs combined with a lack of scientific understanding of nanomedicine interactions with biological systems. The unique properties of their size and their surface composition create difficulties in their physicochemical characterization, and as a consequence, difficulty in assessing the similarity of follow-on products (nanosimilars) to originator nanomedicines. During the 2018 European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS) annual meeting "Crossing the barrier for future medicines" in Athens, there were several sessions on nanomedicines organised by the EUFEPS Nanomedicine Network. This review focuses on the session "Nanomedicines and nanosimilars: how to assess similar?", discussing the nature of nanomedicines, the regulatory aspects of the topic and the impact of practical use and handling of such medicinal products. Emphasis is put on the consequences their nanosize-related properties have on the establishment of their critical quality attributes and how this affects the demonstration of bioequivalence of nanosimilars to their originator products. The lack of an appropriate and harmonized regulatory evaluation procedure and the absence of corresponding education are also discussed, especially the uncertainty surrounding the practical use of nanosimilars, including the higher healthcare cost due to less than satisfactory number of safe and efficacious nanosimilars in the market.
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19
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Copies of nonbiological complex drugs: generic, hybrid or biosimilar? Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:250-255. [PMID: 30086403 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The experience gained with biosimilars has made it clear that copies of complex drugs are more challenging to produce and put on the market than generics. In the case of so-called nonbiological complex drugs (NBCDs), the complexity can arise either from a complex active substance or by other factors, such as formulation or route of delivery. Regulatory policies in the USA and the EU for the marketing of NBCD copies are reviewed, using glatiramer acetate copies as a case study. In the USA, they are approved and marketed as generics (although needing additional data), and so they are interchangeable with the originator. In the EU, they are managed with a hybrid application, and their interchangeability and substitution are established by individual member states.
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20
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Regulatory challenges of nanomedicines and their follow-on versions: A generic or similar approach? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 131:122-131. [PMID: 29966685 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicines and follow-on versions (also called nanosimilars in the EU) have been on the market partially for decades although without recognition of their nano properties in the beginning; a substantial number is in clinical development. Nanomedicines are typically synthetic and belong to the non-biological complex drugs. They show a high variability in form, structure, and size. Additionally large molecule biologics show nano-characteristics meaning nano-dimension in size (1-100 nm) or specific properties related to these dimensions. The high complexity of nanomedicines with their heterogeneous structures do not allow a full physicochemical quality characterization, challenging the regulatory evaluation especially for follow-on versions upon comparison with the reference product. The generic paradigm with the sameness approach for quality and bioequivalence in blood plasma is not appropriate for nanomedicines where a similar approach is needed. After experiencing non-equivalence of authorized parenteral colloidal iron follow-on versions, EMA and FDA issued reflection papers and draft guidances for industry to present their current thinking on the evaluation of such complex products. A stepwise approach to evaluate the extent of similarity, from quality, including critical quality attributes (CQA) and assessment of nano properties, to a non-clinical biodistribution assay, required in the the EU but not in the US, and to clinical evaluation makes sense. The cumulated totality of evidence for the authorization of nanomedicine follow-on versions goes case-by-case. Interchangeability, or substitutability, is a challenge. However, a defined or even harmonized approval pathway for these follow-versions is still missing and causes potential differences in approval. To progress, a science-based discussion platform among stakeholders and experts in the field is necessary. An agenda has been agreed [5], namely CQA assessment, publication of scientific and clinical findings, consensus on nomenclature and labelling, and regulatory actions on substandard complex drug products. Consensus created in a public private approach will support progress towards a defined and harmonized regulatory pathway for nanomedicines and their follow-on versions. This will provide drug innovation but also larger access to follow-on versions of nanomedicines, both a benefit for the patient.
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21
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Di Francesco T, Borchard G. A robust and easily reproducible protocol for the determination of size and size distribution of iron sucrose using dynamic light scattering. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 152:89-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Simulation of Stimuli-Responsive and Stoichiometrically Controlled Release Rate of Doxorubicin from Liposomes in Tumor Interstitial Fluid. Pharm Res 2018; 35:103. [PMID: 29557075 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To simulate the stimuli-responsive and stoichiometrically controlled doxorubicin (DOX) release from liposomes in in vivo tumor interstitial fluid (TIF), the effect of ammonia concentration and pH on the DOX release from liposomes in human plasma at 37°C was quantitatively evaluated in vitro and the release rate was calculated as a function of ammonia concentration and pH. METHODS Human plasma samples spiked with DOX-loaded PEGylated liposomes (PLD) or Doxil®, containing ammonia (0.3-50 mM) at different pH values, were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. After incubation, the concentration of encapsulated DOX in the samples was determined by validated solid-phase extraction (SPE)-SPE-high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Accelerated DOX release (%) from liposomes was observed as the increase of ammonia concentration and pH of the matrix, and the decrease of encapsulated DOX concentration. The release rate was expressed as a function of the ammonia concentration and pH by using Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. CONCLUSIONS The DOX release from PLD in TIF was expressed as a function ammonia concentration and pH at various DOX concentrations. Further, it was found that the DOX release from liposomes in a simulated TIF was more than 15 times higher than in normal plasma.
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23
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Di Francesco T, Philipp E, Borchard G. Iron sucrose: assessing the similarity between the originator drug and its intended copies. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1407:63-74. [PMID: 29168243 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Iron sucrose (IS) is a complex nanocolloidal intravenous suspension used in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Follow-on IS products (iron sucrose similars (ISSs)) have obtained marketing authorization by the generic pathway, implying that identical copies of IS may be manufactured. However, recent prospective and retrospective clinical studies showed discrepancies in clinical outcomes, which might be related to differences in physicochemical properties. The aim of this work is to measure and compare the physicochemical properties of IS and three ISSs available in the market using innovative analytical procedures. The comprehensive elucidation of size, size distribution, morphology, and stability of these complex drugs revealed very significant differences between the products. This study serves to provide the basis to define critical quality attributes that may be linked to differences in clinical outcome and thus may contribute to an adequate regulatory approach for IS and its follow-on products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Di Francesco
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erik Philipp
- Vifor (International) AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
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24
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Grossman I, Kolitz S, Komlosh A, Zeskind B, Weinstein V, Laifenfeld D, Gilbert A, Bar-Ilan O, Fowler KD, Hasson T, Konya A, Wells-Knecht K, Loupe P, Melamed-Gal S, Molotsky T, Krispin R, Papir G, Sahly Y, Hayden MR. Compositional differences between Copaxone and Glatopa are reflected in altered immunomodulation ex vivo in a mouse model. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1407:75-89. [PMID: 29168242 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate, GA), a structurally and compositionally complex polypeptide nonbiological drug, is an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis, with a well-established favorable safety profile. The short antigenic polypeptide sequences comprising therapeutically active epitopes in GA cannot be deciphered with state-of-the-art methods; and GA has no measurable pharmacokinetic profile and no validated pharmacodynamic markers. The study reported herein describes the use of orthogonal standard and high-resolution physicochemical and biological tests to characterize GA and a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved generic version of GA, Glatopa (USA-FoGA). While similarities were observed with low-resolution or destructive tests, differences between GA and USA-FoGA were measured with high-resolution methods applied to an intact mixture, including variations in surface charge and a unique, high-molecular-weight, hydrophobic polypeptide population observed only in some USA-FoGA lots. Consistent with published reports that modifications in physicochemical attributes alter immune-related processes, genome-wide expression profiles of ex vivo activated splenocytes from mice immunized with either GA or USA-FoGA showed that 7-11% of modulated genes were differentially expressed and enriched for immune-related pathways. Thus, differences between USA-FoGA and GA may include variations in antigenic epitopes that differentially activate immune responses. We propose that the assays reported herein should be considered during the regulatory assessment process for nonbiological complex drugs such as GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Grossman
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Sarah Kolitz
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Arthur Komlosh
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Vera Weinstein
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Daphna Laifenfeld
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Adrian Gilbert
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Oren Bar-Ilan
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Tal Hasson
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Attila Konya
- Teva Pharmaceutical Works Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Kevin Wells-Knecht
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, West Chester, Pennsylvania
| | - Pippa Loupe
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Overland Park, Kansas
| | - Sigal Melamed-Gal
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Frazer, Pennsylvania
| | - Tatiana Molotsky
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Revital Krispin
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Galia Papir
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Yousif Sahly
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Michael R Hayden
- Research and Development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Annovazzi P, Bertolotto A, Brescia Morra V, Gasperini C, Montanari E, Navarra P, Patti F, Sormani MP, Ghezzi A. A Comprehensive Review on Copemyl ®. Neurol Ther 2017; 6:161-173. [PMID: 28762192 PMCID: PMC5700901 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-017-0079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Economic sustainability is of paramount importance in the rapidly evolving therapeutic scenario of multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramoids are a class of drugs whose forefather, glatiramer acetate, has been used as a disease modifying drug (DMD) in patients with MS for over 20 years. Its patent expired in 2015; new versions of such drug are nowadays available on the market, potentially contributing to lowering prices and enhancing a better allocation of economic resources. In this review, we analyze the recommendations underlying the approval of both generic drugs and biosimilars by regulatory authorities, and we provide methodological tools to contextualize the design of studies on these new classes of drugs. We examine in more detail the preclinical and clinical data of Copemyl®, a new member of the glatiramoid class, focusing on its biological and immunological properties and illustrating randomized controlled trials that led to its authorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Annovazzi
- Multiple Sclerosis Study Center, ASST Valle Olona, Gallarate, VA, Italy.
| | - Antonio Bertolotto
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Regional Reference Center (CRESM), AOU San Luigi, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, Departement of Neuroscience (NSRO), Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pierluigi Navarra
- Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University Medical School, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, and Advanced Technologies, GF Ingrassia, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelo Ghezzi
- Multiple Sclerosis Study Center, ASST Valle Olona, Gallarate, VA, Italy
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Zou P, Tyner K, Raw A, Lee S. Physicochemical Characterization of Iron Carbohydrate Colloid Drug Products. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:1359-1376. [PMID: 28762128 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Iron carbohydrate colloid drug products are intravenously administered to patients with chronic kidney disease for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Physicochemical characterization of iron colloids is critical to establish pharmaceutical equivalence between an innovator iron colloid product and generic version. The purpose of this review is to summarize literature-reported techniques for physicochemical characterization of iron carbohydrate colloid drug products. The mechanisms, reported testing results, and common technical pitfalls for individual characterization test are discussed. A better understanding of the physicochemical characterization techniques will facilitate generic iron carbohydrate colloid product development, accelerate products to market, and ensure iron carbohydrate colloid product quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zou
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA.
| | - Katherine Tyner
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA
| | - Andre Raw
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA
| | - Sau Lee
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA
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Knoeff J, Flühmann B, Mühlebach S. Medication practice in hospitals: are nanosimilars evaluated and substituted correctly? Eur J Hosp Pharm 2017; 25:79-84. [PMID: 29599970 PMCID: PMC5868288 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2016-001059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates the drug selection and dispensing behaviour of hospital pharmacists of intravenous iron products including iron sucrose and iron sucrose similar, with special emphasis on substitution and interchangeability in France and Spain. Iron-carbohydrate complex drugs represent different available intravenous iron drugs and are part of the non-biological complex drug (NBCD) class, an expanding drug class with up to 30 brands available in intravenous pharmacotherapy and over 50 in clinical development. Follow-on versions of iron sucrose have appeared in some markets such as France and Spain, which were authorised by the generic approval pathway. However, differences in clinical efficacy and safety of iron sucrose similars compared with the reference originator drug Venofer have been observed, putting a question mark on their equivalence as assessed for authorisation and consequently their substitutability and interchangeability. Method 70 French and 70 Spanish hospital pharmacists were surveyed via an online questionnaire on their formulary selection and dispensing behaviour of intravenous iron medicines. Results There is little awareness about the characteristics of this class of drugs and the reported differences in safety and efficacy between iron sucrose and iron sucrose similars. In approximately 85% of cases the intravenous iron is chosen according to the hospital formulary. In 30% (France) and 34% (Spain) of cases an iron sucrose similar was dispensed because the formulary requires dispensing an alternative lower cost drug when available. In 26% (France) and 52% (Spain) of cases the physician is not informed on such a medication change using a similar product. Conclusions Evaluation of NBCD similars for substitution and interchange by hospital pharmacists is rarely based on scientific and clinical criteria but rather on cost aspects only, which does not ensure safe, efficacious and cost-effective use of such drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefien Knoeff
- Vifor Pharma Ltd., Glattbrugg, Switzerland.,Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stefan Mühlebach
- Vifor Pharma Ltd., Glattbrugg, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Zheng N, Sun DD, Zou P, Jiang W. Scientific and Regulatory Considerations for Generic Complex Drug Products Containing Nanomaterials. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:619-631. [PMID: 28116676 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past few decades, the development of medicine at the nanoscale has been applied to oral and parenteral dosage forms in a wide range of therapeutic areas to enhance drug delivery and reduce toxicity. An obvious response to these benefits is reflected in higher market shares of complex drug products containing nanomaterials than that of conventional formulations containing the same active ingredient. The surging market interest has encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to develop cost-effective generic versions of complex drug products based on nanotechnology when the associated patent and exclusivity on the reference products have expired. Due to their complex nature, nanotechnology-based drugs present unique challenges in determining equivalence standards between generic and innovator products. This manuscript attempts to provide the scientific rationales and regulatory considerations of key equivalence standards (e.g., in vivo studies and in vitro physicochemical characterization) for oral drugs containing nanomaterials, iron-carbohydrate complexes, liposomes, protein-bound drugs, nanotube-forming drugs, and nano emulsions. It also presents active research studies in bridging regulatory and scientific gaps for establishing equivalence of complex products containing nanomaterials. We hope that open communication among industry, academia, and regulatory agencies will accelerate the development and approval processes of generic complex products based on nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Generic Drugs, Office of Research and Standards, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA
| | - Dajun D Sun
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Generic Drugs, Office of Research and Standards, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA
| | - Peng Zou
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Generic Drugs, Office of Research and Standards, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA
| | - Wenlei Jiang
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Generic Drugs, Office of Research and Standards, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993, USA.
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Crommelin DJA, Broich K, Holloway C, Meesen B, Lizrova Preiningerova J, Prugnaud JL, Silva-Lima B. The regulator’s perspective: How should new therapies and follow-on products for MS be clinically evaluated in the future? Mult Scler 2016; 22:47-59. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458516650744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although there is still no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), the introduction of several innovative drugs with modes of action different from that of the existing drug arsenal and the progress in monitoring disease progression by imaging and using biomarkers are currently causing a knowledge surge. This provides opportunities for improving patient disease management. New therapies are also under development and pose challenges to the regulatory bodies regarding the optimal design of clinical trials with more patient-focused clinical endpoints. Moreover, with the upcoming patent expiry of some of the key first-line MS treatments in Europe, regulatory bodies will also face the challenge of recommending marketing authorisation for generic and abridged versions based on appropriate requirements for demonstrating equality/similarity to the innovator’s product. Objective: The goal of this article is to improve the understanding of the relevant guidance documents of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on clinical investigation of medicinal products and to highlight the issues that the agency will need to clarify regarding follow-on products of first-line MS treatments. Conclusion: Today, it is clear that close collaboration between patients, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies and industry is crucial for developing new safe and effective drugs, which satisfy the needs of MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan JA Crommelin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karl Broich
- President and Head of the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Chris Holloway
- European Regulatory Consultant, Chief Scientific Officer of ERA Consulting GmbH, Walsrode, Germany
| | - Bianca Meesen
- Managing Director at Ismar Healthcare, Lier, Belgium
| | - Jana Lizrova Preiningerova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jean-Louis Prugnaud
- Expert Involved in the Development of Recommendations Related to Drug Registrations, Paris, France
| | - Beatriz Silva-Lima
- iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Israr F, Mahmood ZA, Hassan F, Hasan SMF. Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Available in Drug Market of Pakistan. Indian J Pharm Sci 2016; 78:17-26. [PMID: 27168677 PMCID: PMC4852570 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474x.180242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cefuroxime is a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a broad spectrum activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The purpose of this research work was to evaluate the pharmaceutical quality standards of four different brands of cefuroxime axetil 125 mg tablets with different price ranges purchased from retail pharmacies of Pakistan. The brands were tested for physicochemical evaluation and in vitro dissolution studies in different medium like 0.07N HCl, distilled water, 0.1N HCl of pH 1.2 and phosphate buffers of pH 4.5 and pH 6.8. Statistical analysis, model dependent (zero order, first order, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Hixson-Crowell, Weibull) and model independent (Difference f1, similarity f2) approaches were applied to multiple dissolution profile of all brands. All brands were found to be similar with reference and meeting the compendial quality standard. Inter brand variation was observed in disintegration time and assay which was resulted in significant differences (P<0.05) in drug release data and Weibull was observed as best fill model.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Israr
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Z. A. Mahmood
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - F. Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - S. M. F. Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, University Road, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
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Mühlebach S, Borchard G, Yildiz S. Regulatory challenges and approaches to characterize nanomedicines and their follow-on similars. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:659-74. [PMID: 25723097 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicines are highly complex products and are the result of difficult to control manufacturing processes. Nonbiological complex drugs and their biological counterparts can comprise nanoparticles and therefore show nanomedicine characteristics. They consist of not fully known nonhomomolecular structures, and can therefore not be characterized by physicochemical means only. Also, intended copies of nanomedicines (follow-on similars) may have clinically meaningful differences, creating the regulatory challenge of how to grant a high degree of assurance for patients' benefit and safety. As an example, the current regulatory approach for marketing authorization of intended copies of nonbiological complex drugs appears inappropriate; also, a valid strategy incorporating the complexity of such systems is undefined. To demonstrate sufficient similarity and comparability, a stepwise quality, nonclinical and clinical approach is necessary to obtain market authorization for follow-on products as therapeutic alternatives, substitution and/or interchangeable products. To fill the regulatory gap, harmonized and science-based standards are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mühlebach
- Department of Global Regulatory Affairs, Vifor Pharma Ltd, Glattbrugg, Switzerland
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Rogstad S, Pang E, Sommers C, Hu M, Jiang X, Keire DA, Boyne MT. Modern analytics for synthetically derived complex drug substances: NMR, AFFF–MALS, and MS tests for glatiramer acetate. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:8647-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-9057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Differences in tissue distribution of iron from various clinically used intravenous iron complexes in fetal avian heart and liver. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 73:65-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Agüera ML, Martin-Malo A, Alvarez-Lara MA, Garcia-Montemayor VE, Canton P, Soriano S, Aljama P. Efficiency of Original versus Generic Intravenous Iron Formulations in Patients on Haemodialysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135967. [PMID: 26322790 PMCID: PMC4555833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The appropriate use of intravenous (i.v.) iron is essential to minimise the requirements for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). The clinical efficacy of generic i.v. iron compared to the original formulation is controversial. We evaluated the changes that were induced after switching from a generic i.v. iron to an original formulation in a stable, prevalent haemodialysis (HD) population. METHODS A total of 342 patients were included, and the follow-up period was 56 weeks for each formulation. Anaemia parameters and doses of ESA and i.v. iron were prospectively recorded before and after the switch from generic to original i.v. iron. RESULTS To maintain the same haemoglobin (Hb) levels after switching from the generic to the original formulation, the requirements for i.v. iron doses were reduced by 34.3% (from 52.8±33.9 to 34.7±31.8 mg/week, p<0.001), and the ESA doses were also decreased by 12.5% (from 30.6±23.6 to 27±21 μg/week, p<0.001). The erythropoietin resistance index declined from 8.4±7.7 to 7.4±6.7 IU/kg/week/g/dl after the switch from the generic to the original drug (p = 0.001). After the switch, the transferrin saturation ratio (TSAT) and serum ferritin levels rose by 6.8% (p<0.001) and 12.4% (p = 0.001), respectively. The mortality rate was similar for both periods. CONCLUSIONS The iron and ESA requirements are lower with the original i.v. iron compared to the generic drug. In addition, the uses of the original formulation results in higher ferritin and TSAT levels despite the lower dose of i.v. iron. Further studies are necessary to analyse the adverse effects of higher i.v. iron dosages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Agüera
- Servicio de Nefrología. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de investigación biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; RedInRen, Instituto de salud Carlos III, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Alejandro Martin-Malo
- Servicio de Nefrología. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de investigación biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; RedInRen, Instituto de salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Maria Antonia Alvarez-Lara
- Servicio de Nefrología. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de investigación biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; RedInRen, Instituto de salud Carlos III, Spain
| | | | | | - Sagrario Soriano
- Servicio de Nefrología. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de investigación biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; RedInRen, Instituto de salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Pedro Aljama
- Servicio de Nefrología. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de investigación biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; RedInRen, Instituto de salud Carlos III, Spain
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The similarity question for biologicals and non-biological complex drugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2015; 76:10-7. [PMID: 25912826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
For small - low molecular weight - molecule medicines a robust regulatory system has evolved over the years. This system guarantees high and constant quality of our (generic) medicines. Pharmaceutical equivalence and bioequivalence assessment are the pillars under that system. But there are complex medicines where the question of equivalence is more challenging to answer. For biologicals the paradigm of similarity rather than equality (the emergence of 'biosimilars') was developed in the past decade. This has been a program where an evolutionary, science based approach has been chosen by the frontrunner regulatory body, the EMA, with a 'learn and confirm' character. In addition, there is another group of complex drugs, the non-biological complex drugs, NBCDs, where the generic paradigm can be challenged as well. The NBCDs are defined as: 1. consisting of a complex multitude of closely related structures; 2. the entire multitude is the active pharmaceutical ingredient; 3. the properties cannot be fully characterized by physicochemical analysis and 4. the consistent, tightly controlled manufacturing process is fundamental to reproduce the product. NBCDs encompass product families such as the glatiramoids, liposomes, iron-carbohydrate colloids and many candidates of the group of the upcoming nanoparticulate systems. Following the main principles of regulatory pathways for biologicals (with appropriate product-by-product adjustments), instead of that for small molecules, would be the more logical strategy for these NBCDs. The status and outstanding regulatory issues for biosimilars and NBCD-similars/follow on versions were discussed at a conference in Budapest, Hungary (October 2014) and this commentary touches upon the issues brought up in the presentations, deliberations and conclusions.
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Demetzos C, Pippa N. Fractal geometry as a new approach for proving nanosimilarity: a reflection note. Int J Pharm 2015; 483:1-5. [PMID: 25659328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nanosimilars are considered as new medicinal outcomes combining the generic drugs and the nanocarrier as an innovative excipient, in order to evaluate them as final products. They belong to the grey area - concerning the evaluation process - between generic drugs and biosimilar medicinal products. Generic drugs are well documented and a huge number of them are in market, replacing effectively the off-patent drugs. The scientific approach for releasing them to the market is based on bioequivalence studies, which are well documented and accepted by the regulatory agencies. On the other hand, the structural complexity of biological/biotechnology-derived products demands a new approach for the approval process taking into consideration that bioequivalence studies are not considered as sufficient as in generic drugs, and new clinical trials are needed to support their approval process of the product to the market. In proportion, due to technological complexity of nanomedicines, the approaches for proving the statistical identity or the similarity for generic and biosimilar products, respectively, with those of prototypes, are not considered as effective for nanosimilar products. The aim of this note is to propose a complementary approach which can provide realistic evidences concerning the nanosimilarity, based on fractal analysis. This approach is well fit with the structural complexity of nanomedicines and smooths the difficulties for proving the similarity between off-patent and nanosimilar products. Fractal analysis could be considered as the approach that completely characterizes the physicochemical/morphological characteristics of nanosimilar products and could be proposed as a start point for a deep discussion on nanosimilarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costas Demetzos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Panepistimioupolis Zografou 15771, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Natassa Pippa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Panepistimioupolis Zografou 15771, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Nitrosative stress and apoptosis in non-anemic healthy rats induced by intravenous iron sucrose similars versus iron sucrose originator. Biometals 2015; 28:279-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-015-9822-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Iron Carbohydrate Complexes: Characteristics and Regulatory Challenges. NON-BIOLOGICAL COMPLEX DRUGS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-16241-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Kolitz SE, Towfic F, Grossman I, Hayden MR, Zeskind B. Use of genetic technologies to compare medicines. Clin Genet 2014; 86:441-6. [PMID: 25046029 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective medicines possible, it is often necessary to compare medicines and assess the extent to which they are similar in their clinical impact. Full clinical trials with appropriate endpoints remain the only method to compare the clinical impact of two medicines with absolute certainty. Other available methods (including physicochemical analysis, genomics, and transcriptomics) can provide partial information about certain aspects of a medicine's biological impact, with possible clinical implications. Especially for biologics and non-biological complex drugs, which are more difficult to characterize by physicochemical means than small molecules, genomics and transciptomic studies can yield valuable insights for physicians, regulators, and drug developers. In this review, we cite and summarize a variety of studies that exemplify the emerging science of applying genomics and transcriptomics technologies to compare medicines. We discuss key aspects of experimental design, conduct of genetic assays, and advanced data analysis, all of which are critical for the successful execution of such studies. Finally, we propose new areas for which such studies can be applied to maximize patient benefit and reduce safety issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Kolitz
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Shibata H, Izutsu KI, Yomota C, Okuda H, Goda Y. Investigation of factors affectingin vitrodoxorubicin release from PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin for the development ofin vitrorelease testing conditions. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2014; 41:1376-86. [DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2014.954582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Baquero F, Coque TM, Cantón R. Counteracting antibiotic resistance: breaking barriers among antibacterial strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:851-61. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.925881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Tinkle S, McNeil SE, Mühlebach S, Bawa R, Borchard G, Barenholz YC, Tamarkin L, Desai N. Nanomedicines: addressing the scientific and regulatory gap. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1313:35-56. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Tinkle
- IDA/Science and Technology Policy Institute; Washington D.C
| | - Scott E. McNeil
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory-Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick Maryland
| | - Stefan Mühlebach
- Vifor Pharma, Ltd.; Glattbrugg Switzerland
- University of Basel; Basel Switzerland
| | - Raj Bawa
- Bawa Biotech LLC; Ashburn Virginia
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Troy New York
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Geneva-Lausanne; University of Geneva; Geneva Switzerland
| | | | | | - Neil Desai
- Abraxis Bioscience/Celgene Corporation; Los Angeles California
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Towfic F, Funt JM, Fowler KD, Bakshi S, Blaugrund E, Artyomov MN, Hayden MR, Ladkani D, Schwartz R, Zeskind B. Comparing the biological impact of glatiramer acetate with the biological impact of a generic. PLoS One 2014; 9:e83757. [PMID: 24421904 PMCID: PMC3885444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, policies regarding generic medicines have sought to provide patients with economical access to safe and effective drugs, while encouraging the development of new therapies. This balance is becoming more challenging for physicians and regulators as biologics and non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs) such as glatiramer acetate demonstrate remarkable efficacy, because generics for these medicines are more difficult to assess. We sought to develop computational methods that use transcriptional profiles to compare branded medicines to generics, robustly characterizing differences in biological impact. We combined multiple computational methods to determine whether differentially expressed genes result from random variation, or point to consistent differences in biological impact of the generic compared to the branded medicine. We applied these methods to analyze gene expression data from mouse splenocytes exposed to either branded glatiramer acetate or a generic. The computational methods identified extensive evidence that branded glatiramer acetate has a more consistent biological impact across batches than the generic, and has a distinct impact on regulatory T cells and myeloid lineage cells. In summary, we developed a computational pipeline that integrates multiple methods to compare two medicines in an innovative way. This pipeline, and the specific findings distinguishing branded glatiramer acetate from a generic, can help physicians and regulators take appropriate steps to ensure safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Towfic
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason M. Funt
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kevin D. Fowler
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shlomo Bakshi
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Maxim N. Artyomov
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - David Ladkani
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Benjamin Zeskind
- Immuneering Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Liu X, Huang G. Formation strategies, mechanism of intracellular delivery and potential clinical applications of pH-sensitive liposomes. Asian J Pharm Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Koskenkorva-Frank TS, Weiss G, Koppenol WH, Burckhardt S. The complex interplay of iron metabolism, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species: insights into the potential of various iron therapies to induce oxidative and nitrosative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 65:1174-1194. [PMID: 24036104 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Production of minute concentrations of superoxide (O2(*-)) and nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide, NO*) plays important roles in several aspects of cellular signaling and metabolic regulation. However, in an inflammatory environment, the concentrations of these radicals can drastically increase and the antioxidant defenses may become overwhelmed. Thus, biological damage may occur owing to redox imbalance-a condition called oxidative and/or nitrosative stress. A complex interplay exists between iron metabolism, O2(*-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and NO*. Iron is involved in both the formation and the scavenging of these species. Iron deficiency (anemia) (ID(A)) is associated with oxidative stress, but its role in the induction of nitrosative stress is largely unclear. Moreover, oral as well as intravenous (iv) iron preparations used for the treatment of ID(A) may also induce oxidative and/or nitrosative stress. Oral administration of ferrous salts may lead to high transferrin saturation levels and, thus, formation of non-transferrin-bound iron, a potentially toxic form of iron with a propensity to induce oxidative stress. One of the factors that determine the likelihood of oxidative and nitrosative stress induced upon administration of an iv iron complex is the amount of labile (or weakly-bound) iron present in the complex. Stable dextran-based iron complexes used for iv therapy, although they contain only negligible amounts of labile iron, can induce oxidative and/or nitrosative stress through so far unknown mechanisms. In this review, after summarizing the main features of iron metabolism and its complex interplay with O2(*-), H2O2, NO*, and other more reactive compounds derived from these species, the potential of various iron therapies to induce oxidative and nitrosative stress is discussed and possible underlying mechanisms are proposed. Understanding the mechanisms, by which various iron formulations may induce oxidative and nitrosative stress, will help us develop better tolerated and more efficient therapies for various dysfunctions of iron metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija S Koskenkorva-Frank
- Chemical and Preclinical Research and Development, Vifor (International) Ltd., CH-9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine VI, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willem H Koppenol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanna Burckhardt
- Chemical and Preclinical Research and Development, Vifor (International) Ltd., CH-9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Ehmann F, Sakai-Kato K, Duncan R, Hernán Pérez de la Ossa D, Pita R, Vidal JM, Kohli A, Tothfalusi L, Sanh A, Tinton S, Robert JL, Silva Lima B, Amati MP. Next-generation nanomedicines and nanosimilars: EU regulators' initiatives relating to the development and evaluation of nanomedicines. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2013; 8:849-56. [PMID: 23656268 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.13.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last three decades many first-generation nanomedicines have successfully entered routine clinical use and it is now important for medicines regulatory agencies to consider the mechanisms needed to ensure safe introduction of 'follow-on' nanomedicine products, 'nanosimilars'. Moreover, drug regulators need to ensure that 'next'-generation nanomedicines enter clinical development and consequently the market in a safe and timely way for the benefit of public health. Here we review recent European Medicines Agency activities that relate to the effective development and evaluation of nanomedicine products while keeping patient and consumer safety at the forefront.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Ehmann
- Nanomedicines Drafting Group, European Medicines Agency, 7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HB, UK.
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Praschberger M, Cornelius C, Schitegg M, Goldenberg H, Scheiber-Mojdehkar B, Sturm B. Bioavailability and stability of intravenous iron sucrose originator versus generic iron sucrose AZAD. Pharm Dev Technol 2013; 20:176-82. [PMID: 24219061 DOI: 10.3109/10837450.2013.852575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Severe iron deficiency requires intravenous iron supplementation to replenish iron stores. Intravenous iron sucrose has been used for decades for the treatment of anemia. New generic iron sucrose products are now marketed for the use in several countries and there is an ongoing discussion about the safety and efficacy of iron sucrose similars. OBJECTIVE In this study, we compared the iron sucrose originator Venofer® and the generic iron sucrose AZAD (ISA) regarding bioavailability, toxicity and stability in human THP-1 cells and HepG2 cells. METHODS The bioavailability of Venofer® and ISA was investigated in both cell types by a ferrozin-based assay. The release of incorporated iron was assayed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Ferritin content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HepG2 cells were used to investigate the intracellular labile iron pool (LIP), which was measured by the fluorescent calcein assay. The amount of redox-active iron within the iron formulations was assayed using fluorescent dichlorofluorescein. RESULTS We found no significant differences in all parameters between Venofer® and ISA in regard of bioavailability, toxicity and stability in vitro. DISCUSSION ISA shows identical physico-chemical features and identical bioavailability in vitro. This study is a profound basis for future clinical tests with generic iron sucrose compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Praschberger
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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Shah VP, Vulto AG, Mühlebach S. Workshop on the challenges in substitution of nonbiological complex drugs. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2013; 70:1879-80. [DOI: 10.2146/ajhp130141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arnold G. Vulto
- Hospital Pharmacy Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Mühlebach
- Vifor Pharma Ltd. Flughofstrasse 61 P.O. Box CH-8152 Glattbrugg, Switzerland
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