CHMP recommend white blood cell growth stimulator biosimilar to EMA

Both Accord Healthcare’s Pelgraz and Coherus Biosciences’ Udenyca were recommended to the EMA as biosimilar versions of Amgen’s biologic response modifier which is used to stimulate the growth of white blood cells in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The drug, which acts to stimulate the bone marrow’s production of white blood cells (neutrophils), is used to increase levels of neutrophils, in order to fight infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Currently, just one dose of the branded version of the drug costs between $5000 and $8000 in the United States. As such biosimilar versions of the drug may significantly reduce costs for patients in need.

However, while the FDA rejected Coherus’ application for the approval of the Neulasta biosimilar in June last year, the American agency accepted the US company’s re-submission this year.

Denny Lanfear, President and CEO of Coherus BioSciences commented: "The positive opinion issued by the CHMP today is a significant milestone for Coherus, as it validates both our Udenyca biosimilarity package as well as our development platform as a whole. We believe Udenyca will represent an important option for patients, providers and payers seeking alternatives for the treatment and prevention of febrile neutropenia due to cytotoxic chemotherapy in Europe."

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