New biosimilars for teriparatide launched

Two new biosimilars have been launched in the UK for teriparatide – a parathyroid hormone treatment used to stimulate bone formation in people with osteoporosis.

It’s hoped that the introduction of biosimilars will reduce costs and increase access to teriparatide, providing improved choice in clinically effective osteoporosis treatments for healthcare professionals and patients.

“We are delighted that teriparatide – an effective anabolic treatment for osteoporosis – is now available as a biosimilar following the expiration of Forsteo’s patent,” says Alison Doyle, our Head of Clinical and Operations.

“This once expensive medication was restricted by NICE guidance until last year, when NHS England announced the treatment would be available to men as well as women.

“Though we are aware that some men still struggle to get access to teriparatide, the availability of biosimilars should drive down the cost of treatment and make it available to more people with osteoporosis.

“Improved choice in the current offering of clinically effective treatments for osteoporosis is welcome news for healthcare professionals and people with osteoporosis alike – particularly following the recent disappointing decision by the EMA not to approve a new treatment for the condition.”

Teriparatide was previously manufactured and distributed by Eli Lilly under the brand name Forsteo in Europe.

Following the expiration of the drug’s patent, the biosimilars are now available from pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter under the name Terossa and from Thornton & Ross as Movymia.

A biosimilar is a biological medicine that is highly similar to another previously approved biological medicine – also known as the ‘reference medicine’. These are different to generic drugs, which are chemically identical copies of branded drugs.

Biosimilars are approved according to the same quality, safety and efficacy standards that apply to all biological medicines, as evaluated by the European Medicines Agency, and in practice are as effective as their reference medicines.

Read more information about teriparatide.

Read more information about biosimilars.