Introduces Chairman Gewanter, shows support for BQ proposal
Geneva – The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) presented at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 59th International Nonproprietary Naming Stakeholders Session on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. This was the third time ASBM presented to the WHO but the first appearance for ASBM’s new chairman Dr. Harry L. Gewanter.
As a practicing pediatric rheumatologist and ASBM International Advisory Board (IAB) member, Harry L. Gewanter, MD, FAAP, FACR has been integrally involved in developing policy recommendations involving biosimilars that are patient-focused and physician friendly.
During his presentation “Global Biosimilar Naming Standards: Physician (and Patient) Perspectives” Dr. Gewanter thanked the WHO for the opportunity to present and for its efforts to prioritize patient safety.
At the request of the WHO, the proceedings of the stakeholder session are to remain confidential until the esteemed body has an opportunity to hold a closed session to discuss the “Biological Qualifier” proposal that was released in August.
ASBM has been very supportive of the WHO’s draft BQ proposal that would assign a four-letter alphabetic code to all biologics. In September, ASBM and 14 of its member groups submitted comments to the WHO supporting the BQ proposal because it ensures clear product identification and promotes manufacturer accountability.
In the U.S., ASBM has encouraged the FDA to follow the WHO’s lead. In August, ASBM and over 70 patient organizations wrote a letter encouraging the FDA to adopt a policy of distinguishable nonproprietary names for biosimilars and to issue guidance reflecting distinguishable naming in a timely manner as the first application for a biosimilar has been accepted.
About the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines
The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) is an organization composed of diverse healthcare groups and individuals from patients to physicians, biotechnology companies that develop innovative and biosimilar medicines and others who are working together to ensure patient safety is at the forefront of the biosimilars policy discussion.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Reilly
Executive Director
Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines
Phone: 202-222-8326
Email: Michael@safebiologics.org
