First biosimilar to tocilizumab approved in Europe

[PMRpro]

No idea if this also applies in the UK but the start of cheaper GCA medication is here! And European - it is a Swiss company.

The patent for tocilizumab ran out recently - and this is the first drug to take advantage of that. A biosimilar is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original product that is manufactured by a different company. Biosimilars are officially approved versions of original "innovator" products and can be manufactured when the original product's patent expires.

Hopefully this may make it more available.

medscape.com/viewarticle/99...

[Kendrew]

That's really encouraging to hear. Let's hope it marks the beginning of a new era of effective treatment that's more readily accessible to all those who could benefit from it. Sounds promising. Good things come to those who wait!... even if it has been a long time coming!!

[SheffieldJane]

Thanks for being the eyes and ears of this forum.

[Blearyeyed]

That sounds like great news, another step closer to kinder care.

[Grammy80]

Great news!!! I hope it helps many in the UK, and everywhere, who are now being taken off after a year. I've been on it 4 years now, plus 2mg pred, and I know my rheumy plans to keep me on it for some time. So glad and hope many more can get it~!💞

[Bcol]

Fingers crossed that this makes it available to more who would benifit from it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Let’s hope so….

[Rugger]

Great news! I wonder what NICE will say about this "cheaper" option?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

Probably the same nonsense - no longterm studies ...