Lothar M. Kirsch MD

 is a so-called TNF-Blocker, also known as a 

 (TNFi), [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_crop","fid":"32313","attributes":{"alt":"biosimilars","class":"media-image media-image-right","id":"media_crop_8307836061282","media_crop_h":"0","media_crop_image_style":"-1","media_crop_instance":"3420","media_crop_rotate":"0","media_crop_scale_h":"0","media_crop_scale_w":"0","media_crop_w":"0","media_crop_x":"0","media_crop_y":"0","style":"width: 142px; height: 124px; float: right; margin: 3px;","title":" ","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]i.e. a monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor Î±. Infiximab is a 

; i.e. there are foreign proteins in the molecule. I have 

and I also carried out research studies using it about 15 years ago.

European Union (EU), infliximab is approved

 for various inflammatory-rheumatic diseases such as 

rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis

biosimilars of this drug were also approved in the EU at the beginning of this week. 

me-too products similar to biotechnologically created proteins

, for example a monoclonal antibody like inflximab, that have been approved after the patent for the original product has lapsed. Unlike chemically created generic medications, the biosimilar molecule is 

 business. It has to do with the much-sought-after millions of Euros in the market.

At the beginning of this week Inflektra (Hospira) and Remsina (Mundipharma) were approved and are also marketed and advertised. And that’s where it 

“Inflektra™ - the first biosimilar with the active substance of Infliximab/New perspectives for a better future in gastroenterology, rheumatology, and dermatology.”

What will this new perspective be? Another firm will earn money.

 The active substance cannot offer more than Infliximab.

“Remsima® / German doctors enjoy the first Infliximab alternative.” 

Really, all German doctors? Only a limited number of them prescribe Infliximab, because it is more complicated than other medications and because it is very expensive.

Probably insurance companies, politicians, and also Germany’s doctors 

hope for a rollback of the high-priced segment of biologics

New Biologics at EULAR 2014: Stop and Wait

We haven’t yet seen any prices, but I have to believe that the original manufacturer can endure a price reduction better than the successor, which needs to earn back its investment.

Medically, biosimilars offer absolutely nothing

(Translated and reprinted with permission from 

posted February 19, 2015 on Dr. Kirsch's blog, "Rheumatologe".)

Articles

Two biosimilars for the TNF inhibitor infliximab are now licensed and distributed in Europe. A German rheumatologist wonders what difference the option to prescribe Inflektra and Remsima will make, if any.

Author | Lothar M. Kirsch MD

Articles

Infliximab Biosimilars Launch in Europe. (So What?)