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Formycon and Bioeq initiate pivotal Phase III clinical trial for FYB201, an investigational biosimilar ranibizumab (Lucentis®)
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Global program underscores Formycon’s and bioeq’s leadership in ophthalmology biosimilars
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Both companies continue to advance biosimilar pipeline
MUNICH, Germany I October 7, 2015 I Formycon AG, Munich, Germany, and bioeq GmbH, Holzkirchen, Germany, today announced the initiation of a pivotal Phase III clinical trial with FYB201, an investigational biosimilar ranibizumab (Lucentis®). The global clinical trial is designed to confirm biosimilarity with regard to safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of FYB201 versus Lucentis® in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study design was developed in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is expected to support the registration in both regions.
Top selling eye drug Lucentis® is the leading treatment for nAMD and other eye diseases and had estimated sales of $4.1 billion in 2014. It inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is responsible for the excessive formation of blood vessels in the retina leading to progressive loss of vision. The current total market size for intraocular anti-VEGF therapy is about $6.9 billion.
Formycon had licensed FYB201 exclusively to Santo Holding GmbH, Holzkirchen, Germany end of 2013. bioeq GmbH, an affiliate of Santo Holding GmbH, acts as the sponsor of the Phase III study and will also be responsible for the global commercialization and licensing of FYB201.
Carsten Brockmeyer, Ph.D., CEO Formycon AG: “We believe that we are the first company initiating a pivotal phase III study for a biosimilar version of ranibizumab. This underlines our mission to provide high quality biologics to patients across the world. I am glad that Formycon and bioeq will jointly drive the clinical development, regulatory filings and commercialization of FYB201, which will help us to become a significant player in the field of ophthalmological diseases, one of the most rapidly growing therapeutic areas. We continue to advance our pipeline with two other biosimilar candidates already in preclinical phase.”
“Intraocular anti-VEGF agents are a cornerstone in the treatment of age related macular degeneration and other eye diseases. A high quality and clinically proven biosimilar version of Lucentis® could play an important role in broadening the access to these essential medicines and generating much needed savings” said Professor Dr. O. Findl, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Hanusch Hospital, Vienna.
“The costs associated with the treatment of eye diseases have become a tremendous emerging challenge for global health care systems. I am confident that, together with our partner Formycon, we can build a strong global presence in ophthalmology. Biosimilars like FYB201 will address the need for affordable access to essential high-quality treatments for payors, prescribers and patients. We continue to expand our biosimilar portfolio in ophthalmology but also in other indications” said Nicola Mikulcik, CEO of bioeq GmbH.
SOURCE: Formycon
Post Views: 27
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Formycon and Bioeq initiate pivotal Phase III clinical trial for FYB201, an investigational biosimilar ranibizumab (Lucentis®)
-
Global program underscores Formycon’s and bioeq’s leadership in ophthalmology biosimilars
-
Both companies continue to advance biosimilar pipeline
MUNICH, Germany I October 7, 2015 I Formycon AG, Munich, Germany, and bioeq GmbH, Holzkirchen, Germany, today announced the initiation of a pivotal Phase III clinical trial with FYB201, an investigational biosimilar ranibizumab (Lucentis®). The global clinical trial is designed to confirm biosimilarity with regard to safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of FYB201 versus Lucentis® in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study design was developed in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is expected to support the registration in both regions.
Top selling eye drug Lucentis® is the leading treatment for nAMD and other eye diseases and had estimated sales of $4.1 billion in 2014. It inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is responsible for the excessive formation of blood vessels in the retina leading to progressive loss of vision. The current total market size for intraocular anti-VEGF therapy is about $6.9 billion.
Formycon had licensed FYB201 exclusively to Santo Holding GmbH, Holzkirchen, Germany end of 2013. bioeq GmbH, an affiliate of Santo Holding GmbH, acts as the sponsor of the Phase III study and will also be responsible for the global commercialization and licensing of FYB201.
Carsten Brockmeyer, Ph.D., CEO Formycon AG: “We believe that we are the first company initiating a pivotal phase III study for a biosimilar version of ranibizumab. This underlines our mission to provide high quality biologics to patients across the world. I am glad that Formycon and bioeq will jointly drive the clinical development, regulatory filings and commercialization of FYB201, which will help us to become a significant player in the field of ophthalmological diseases, one of the most rapidly growing therapeutic areas. We continue to advance our pipeline with two other biosimilar candidates already in preclinical phase.”
“Intraocular anti-VEGF agents are a cornerstone in the treatment of age related macular degeneration and other eye diseases. A high quality and clinically proven biosimilar version of Lucentis® could play an important role in broadening the access to these essential medicines and generating much needed savings” said Professor Dr. O. Findl, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Hanusch Hospital, Vienna.
“The costs associated with the treatment of eye diseases have become a tremendous emerging challenge for global health care systems. I am confident that, together with our partner Formycon, we can build a strong global presence in ophthalmology. Biosimilars like FYB201 will address the need for affordable access to essential high-quality treatments for payors, prescribers and patients. We continue to expand our biosimilar portfolio in ophthalmology but also in other indications” said Nicola Mikulcik, CEO of bioeq GmbH.
SOURCE: Formycon
Post Views: 27
