Sandoz' Enbrel biosimilar shows equivalent efficacy to originator product

Sandoz, the generics and biosimilars division of Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX), has released results from the EGALITY trial in which the primary endpoint of achieving equivalence in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response rates at week 12 was met.

The study compared the safety and efficacy of its biosimilar etanercept candidate with the originator product, Enbrel (marketed by Amgen [Nasdaq: AMGN] and Pfizer [NYSE: PFE]) in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis and was presented at Psoriasis 2016, the 5th Congress of the Psoriasis International Network (PIN), Paris, France.

"The EGALITY data, showing our biosimilar etanercept to be bioequivalent to the originator product, is part of the comprehensive data package submitted to the EMA and FDA," said Malte Peters, head of global clinical development, Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz. "If our biosimilar etanercept is approved for the same indications as the originator product, more patients with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis will have access to life-changing biologic treatment options," Mr Peters continued.