Sandoz’s Hyrimoz to challenge AbbVie’s Humira dominance

A robotic arm transfers Humira pens from the conveyor to two-pack cartons. [Image from AbbVie]

The generic and biosimilar company Sandoz, a Novartis (NYSE:SIX) subsidiary, has received FDA approval for its Humira biosimilar Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz) injection. AbbVie’s (NYSE:ABBV) megablockbuster Humira is a biologic medication with indications for an array of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis. Sandoz’s biosimilar will likely be priced significantly lower than Humira’s. This fact could dramatically impact the marketplace for AbbVie’s version of the drug, as it is priced lower and could lead to a decrease in market share for Humira.

The FDA approved Sandoz’s Hyrimoz, a biosimilar of AbbVie’s Humira, to treat seven conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis,…

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Tremfya bests Cosentyx in psoriasis study 

Janssen’s Tremfya (guselkumab) generally had higher efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis than Cosentyx (secukinumab) from Novartis, according to recent data published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 

In the 48-week Phase 3 ECLIPSE study, a greater number of guselkumab recipients achieved at least a 90% and 100% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90 and PASI 100). Guselkumab recipients also had higher rates of clear or almost clear skin based on the Investigator’s Global Assessment scores of IGA 0 and IGA 0/1, respectively

The difference in performance between the two drugs was especially pronounced in patients weighing more than 100 kg (220 pounds). For instance, 62.3% of guselkumab recipients weighing 100–110 kg had IGA 0/1 responses at week 48, while 44.4% of secukinumab recipients did. 

The findings are significant because people with psoriasis have a higher prevalence and incidence of obesity…

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