Regulatory Approval Scenario of Biosimilars in Pediatric Patients in the United States and European Union

Abstract

Regulatory agencies of the USA and European Union (EU) have introduced multiple guidelines in the last decade to standardize and accelerate biosimilar development. As a result, a large number of biosimilars are being approved in the USA and EU. In the present review, we identified the biosimilars and their corresponding reference biologics approved for pediatrics in the USA and EU, and then assessed their approval details. In the USA, a biosimilar applicant needs to submit an initial pediatric study plan under the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA). We found that the PREA requirements of a pediatric assessment for biosimilars were waived where the reference biologics were not approved for one or more pediatric age groups for an indication. The PREA requirements of a pediatric assessment were deferred if the indication was under orphan drug exclusivity or a pediatric formulation was not available. Excluding the waiver and deferral scenarios, biosimilars were approved for the same pediatric indications as those of the reference biologics based on scientific justification extrapolation from the pediatric information of the reference biologics to biosimilars. The applicants were asked to submit a pediatric assessment in the deferred indication and/or develop a dedicated formulation that can ensure accurate dose delivery in pediatric population, as applicable. In the EU, pediatric assessments were not required for biosimilars; hence, all biosimilars (except rituximab) have been approved for the same indications as those of the reference biologics. Biosimilar developers need to be aware of the possible requirement of a pediatric study plan, development of pediatric drug delivery devices, and requirement of human factor studies for a device, to avoid delay in approval of biosimilars in the USA.