PhRMA, BIO Push for Labeling Distinctions Between BiosimilarsTwo major trade groups are pressing the FDA to draw sharp labeling distinctions between biosimilars and the products they mimic. In a joint petition to the FDA dated Dec. 22, PhRMA and BIO ask the agency to mandate that all future biosimilar labeling include the following:
While the FDA has yet to issue guidance on the subject, PhRMA and BIO note that the labeling for the lone biosimilar approved thus far — Sandoz’s Zarxio, which was approved last March — did not contain the requested elements. Toward that end, the petition also asks the agency to “promptly issue” draft guidance on the subject, given that “physician labeling is the central mechanism through which FDA and manufacturers communicate authoritative information for safe and effective prescribing of biologics.” Lastly, the petition asks the FDA to incorporate these requested policy changes into the guidance document. A spokesman for BIO says that the group does not believe the requested strict labeling distinctions run counter to its member-companies’ interests. Rather, he contends that without the availability of “full, transparent and distinct labeling information,” many physicians “will lack confidence to prescribe biosimilars to their patients.” A PhRMA representative declined Jan. 8 to expand on the petition. Read the petition here: www.fdanews.com/01-08-16-Petition.pdf. — Cameron Ayers
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