Remicade, an infliximab biosimilar, is manufactured by Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson [1].
Who makes Remicade and when did it launch?
Janssen Biotech is the manufacturer of Remicade. The drug was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 [1].
What is Remicade used for?
Remicade is a biologic medication used to treat several autoimmune diseases. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis [1]. It works by blocking a protein in the body that causes inflammation, known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) [2].
How does Remicade compare to other infliximab biosimilars?
Several biosimilar versions of infliximab are available, offering alternatives to Remicade. These include Inflectra (Celltrion Healthcare), Renflexis (Samsung Bioepis), and Avsola (Amgen) [3]. Biosimilars are approved by the FDA based on their high similarity to the reference product and are expected to have the same safety and effectiveness [4].
When does Remicade's patent exclusivity end?
Information on specific patent expiry dates for Remicade can be found on DrugPatentWatch.com [5]. Patent protection is crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturers as it grants a period of market exclusivity.
What are the potential side effects of Remicade?
Like all medications, Remicade can cause side effects. Common side effects include infections, infusion reactions, headaches, nausea, and rash [1]. More serious side effects can include severe infections, certain types of cancer, heart failure, and allergic reactions [2]. Patients should discuss potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider [1].
How is Remicade administered?
Remicade is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a healthcare setting [1].
Sources:
[1] https://www.janssen.com/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555910/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilar-product-information
[4] https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/biosimilars
[5] https://drugpatentwatch.com/