The ACR is engaging with payers regarding formulary requirements that would leave practices underwater when treating patients with rheumatic diseases.
UnitedHealthcare Designates Avsola, Inflectra Preferred Infliximab Products
On Feb. 1, UnitedHealthcare enacted a new policy designating Avsola and Inflectra as the preferred infliximab products for UHC commercial plans. ACR leaders have urged UHC to allow existing patients to continue on their current medication.
FDA Approves Amgen’s Infliximab Biosimilar Treatment
(Reuters)—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved Amgen Inc.’s biosimilar copy of Johnson & Johnson’s blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drug, Remicade (infliximab), according to the regulator’s website. The biosimilar, Avsola (infliximab-axxq), has the same chemical components, dosage form and strength as Remicade and would treat a range of autoimmune disorders. The label for the…
IBD Patients Who Switch from Infliximab to Biosimilar See Mixed Results
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can safely switch from infliximab to the biosimilar CT-P13, though they may face a higher risk of clinical relapse, researchers from Spain report. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of infliximab biosimilars in patients with IBD, but there are limited data about the effectiveness…
Novartis Receives EU Approval for Infliximab Biosimilar Zessly
ZURICH (Reuters)—Novartis said its Sandoz division received approval from the European Commission for its biosimilar Zessly (infliximab) in gastroenterological, rheumatological and dermatological diseases. Zessly is approved for use in all indications of the reference medicine including rheumatoid arthritis, adult and pediatric Crohn’s disease, adult and pediatric ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis,…