WHO Prequalifies Biosimilar for First Time

The World Health Organization has prequalified its first biosimilar, Samsung Bioepis’ trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody indicated for treating breast cancer.

The biosimilar of Roche’s Herceptin is generally available for 65 percent less than the cost of the branded drug, the WHO said. “With this listing, and more products expected in the prequalification pipeline, prices should decrease even further,” it said.

The organization listed trastuzumab as an essential medicine for approximately 20 percent of breast cancers in 2015, noting it has shown to be highly effective in curing early stage breast cancer and sometimes in more advanced forms.