Biosimilars are highly similar molecules to other biological medicines that have already been authorized for use. Etanercept (ETN) was the first anti-tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in November 1998 and in February 2000 by the European Medicines Agency. Twenty years later, the first ETN biosimilar has come of age. Areas covered: In this review we examined SB-4 as a biosimilar candidate to ETN, focusing on the available data. Current data indicate that SB-4 is a highly similar alternative to ETN in terms of safety, efficacy, tolerability, and immunogenicity. SB-4 has already been approved by health authorities in Europe, South Korea, Australia, and Canada, as a subcutaneous therapy option for the treatment of patients with RA but also for the full spectrum approved for its bio-originator ETN. Expert opinion: The current body of evidence suggests that all biologic activities have been demonstrated to be equivalent between SB-4 and the originator, including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic activities. In some areas, and more specifically when it comes to immunogenicity, SB-4 showed lower incidents. Therefore, it is fully expected to have same efficacy and safety in all indications.
Keywords: SB-4; biologics; biosimilar; etanercept; monoclonal antibody.