Dr. Offin on Potential Implications of Introducing Biosimilars Into Oncology

Michael D. Offin, MD, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the potential implications of introducing biosimilars into the field of oncology.

Biosimilars have generated a lot of excitement because of their cost-savings potential, says Offin. However, these agents have also been met with some hesitancy because they could interfere with the development of clinical trials and potentially reduce access to novel biologic therapy, he adds. As such, it will be important to consider the potential implications of their integration into the space.

If biosimilars enter the clinic, they could provide underinsured patients with more treatment options, says Offin. Currently, PF-06439535 (bevacizumab-bvzr; Zirabev) is the only biosimilar for bevacizumab (Avastin) that has received regulatory approval. However, several more biosimilars are in the pipeline, such as SB8, which demonstrated similar efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic, and immunogenicity as reference bevacizumab in a phase III trial (NCT02754882).