Pfizer Introduces Three New Oncology Biosimilars to US Market

Three new biosimilars bevacizumab-bvzr (Zirabev, Pfizer), rituximab-pvvr (Ruxience, Pfizer), and trastuzumab-qyyp (Trazimera, Pfizer) have been introduced in the United States. Pfizer will become the first manufacturer to launch 3 oncology monoclonal antibody biosimilar treatments in the US market, according to a company press release.

The specialty drugs are expected to launch at the lowest wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) among bevacizumab, rituximab, or trastuzumab products currently on the market, becoming available at a discounted price compared with their brand name equivalents.

“We’re proud to expand our leading biosimilars portfolio by launching these 3 treatments, which can potentially create significant savings for the US healthcare system while increasing access to critical therapies. We look forward to working with payers and providers to deliver these important medicines to patients that are living with certain cancers and autoimmune conditions,” said Angela Lukin, regional president of North American Oncology at Pfizer in the company press release.

Bevacizumab-bvzr is available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer; unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer; recurrent glioblastoma; metastatic renal cell carcinoma; and persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer. It was introduced to the US market on December 31, 2019, at a WAC of $61.34 per 10 mg, representing a 23% discount to the WAC of its brand name counterpart, bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech).

Rituximab-pvvr is the first licensed biosimilar for the treatment of adult patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. It is also available for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It was introduced to the US market on January 23, 2020, at a WAC of $71.68 per 10 mg, representing a 24% discount to the WAC of rituximab (Rituxan, Genentech).

Trastuzumab-qyyp will become available for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressing breast cancer and HER2 overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. It will be available in the US market on February 15, 2020, at a WAC of $80.74 per 10 mg, representing a 22% discount to the WAC of trastuzumab (Herceptin, Genentech).

All 3 biosimilars are seeking pass-through status, a program that supports reimbursement and incentives access for Medicare patients for certain treatments, according to the press release.

“The introduction of 3 new biosimilars is significant, delivering additional treatment options for patients across 9 cancer types. Biosimilars can play an important role in the care of people living with cancer, and I am encouraged by the possibility for improved access for providers to these medicines which are highly similar to their reference product,” said Mark Pegram, MD, associate director for clinical research at the Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Institute, and director of the Breast Oncology Program at the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, in the company press release.

Reference

Pfizer Brings Three New Biosimilars to US Patients at Substantial Discounts [press release]. Pfizer website [email]. Published January 23, 2020. https://pfe-pfizercom-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/news/U.S.%20mAb%20Launch%20Press%20Statement.pdf. Accessed January 23, 2020.