Biosimilar development – an overview

Diana Radovan Trilogy Writing and Consulting GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Correspondence to: Diana Radovan Senior Medical Writer Trilogy Writing and Consulting GmbH, Falkensteiner Str. 77, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Germany +49 69 138 2528 56 [email protected]

Abstract Biosimilars are biological drugs that are similar to, and cheaper than other biological drugs (called “reference originator biologics”) that are already in use. They share an identical amino-acid sequence but, given the inherent variability of biological molecules, not full Since biologics and “sameness”. Biosimilar registration follows a biosimilars are created in strictly regulated pathway based on a totality- of-evidence approach. This article critically living cells, they cannot discusses the particulars of biosimilar devel- be chemically synthesised opment, including the continuous develop- like generic drugs. ment of regulatory guidelines, familiarises readers with biosimilar-specific terminology, addresses the typical challenges of writing biosimilar dossiers, and summarises future directions in biosimilar development in the and biosimilars are created in living cells, they biological medicine already approved in the EU, context of a changing competitive landscape. cannot be chemically synthesised like for which there are no clinically meaningful After reading this article, medical writers with conventional drugs and their generics. differences to the reference medicine in terms of different backgrounds, including those While a biosimilar candidate and an safety, quality and efficacy. 2 In the US, a previously unfamiliar with key aspects of originator biologic share the same amino-acid biosimilar product is defined as a biologic biosimilar development, should be able to sequence, they can never be identical, due to the product approved based on demonstrating that better understand and apply these guidelines inherent variability of complex biological it is highly similar to an US FDA-approved in their daily biosimilar work. molecules. In other words, a biosimilar and its biologic product that has no clinically relevant reference biologic share a similar (but never differences in terms of safety and effectiveness exactly the same) functional version of the active compared with the reference product; only What are biosimilars? substance. Examples of biosimilars (and minor differences in clinically inactive com - What are they not? biologics) include monoclonal antibodies, hor - ponents are allowed for a product to be deemed Biologics or biological drugs are products created mones, small proteins, vaccines, and fusion biosimilar. 3 Other terms used to describe from living organisms or that contain com - proteins. 1 Biosimilars (and biologics) that are biosimilars are: follow-on biologic, follow-on ponents of living organisms. Biosimilars are monoclonal antibodies or derivatives thereof protein, and subsequent entry biologic. 4 An biological drugs that are similar to, and cheaper target pro-inflammatory cytokines, most essential aspect to keep in mind is that the EU- than, other biological drugs (called “reference commonly tumour necrosis factor alpha. approved and US-approved reference products originator biologics”) that have already been In the EU, a biosimilar is defined as a are not considered equivalent by default. approved for use on the market. Since biologics biological medicine highly similar to another Biological medicines (originator biologics

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development of biosimilars. The regu la tory framework for biosimilars was est ablished in the EU in 2003. The Com mittee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) Biosimilars over arching guideline need to on biosimilars came follow a highly into force in 2005 regulated and a revised version came into effect regulatory in 2015. 8 In recent pathway. This years, both the pathway differs overarching guideline between the and its sister guidelines (that focus on quality, EU and the non-clinical, and clinical US. issues) have been updated, reflecting the growing experience with bio similars. In recent years, the US FDA has also been heavily engaged in developing guidelines for biosimilar development 9 and providing advice to stakeholders. In 2010, the World Health Organization published a “similar biotherapeutic products” guideline. 10 Efforts towards global guidelines are however still in a very early stage. See Table 1 for further details. Additionally, different health authorities currently prefer and use slightly different termi - nology. It is thus up to pharmaceutical companies to develop internal best practices with input from their regulatory affairs departments regarding terms acceptable for use in the EU, US, and the rest of the world. Interestingly, because of the inherent variability of biologics, an originator manu - and biosimilars) offer treatment options for biosimilar development. Biosimilars have been facturer of biological prod ucts also faces chal - patients with chronic and often disabling con - on the market for 13 years in the EU (the first lenges when introducing changes in the ditions such as diabetes, autoimmune , approval of a biosimilar product in the EU was manu facturing process, and needs to demon - and cancer. 2 Biologics have a 12-year exclusivity in 2006) 2 and for 4 years in the US (the strate equiva lence, for examp le, for in the US 5 and an 11-year exclusivity in the EU, first approval by the US FDA was The different formu lations of the same comprising 10 years for new biologics (eight-year in 2015). 7 EU-approved medicinal product. Changes in the data exclusivity and two-year market exclusivity) and US-approved regulatory require ments intended 6 Regulatory aspects and a one-year extension for a new indication. reference products pri marily to support and facilitate A biosimilar candidate can be manufactured of biosimilar changes to biologics’ manufac - and (once biosimilarity to an originator has been development are not considered turing processes triggered the shown) sold at a lower cost than the originator Since variability (be it qualitative equivalent by evolution of the concept of the biologic, as the clinical development programme or quanti tative) may result not only default. biochemical bridge, whereby a for a biosimilar is lean and relies heavily on the in a loss of biological function, but also compre hensive ana lyt ical efficacy and safety experience previously estab- in severe and potentially unknown adverse (biochemical and biophysical) comparative lished with the originator. Thus, it can be events, biosimilars need to follow a highly testing programme could be used as part of the beneficial for patients with chronic conditions to regulated regulatory pathway. This pathway justification for demonstration of equivalence or gain access to biosimilar medicines at prices more differs between the EU and the US. similarity. 4 The bio chemical bridge easily lent accessible than those of their originator biologics, Historically, regulatory require ments in the itself to the analysis of candidate biosimilars and and profitable for companies to specialise in EU and US have developed in parallel with the played an important role in starting to define

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and the US. In the EU, Regulation (EC) No Clinical 1901/ 200 exempts manufacturers of candidate bio similars from providing a paediatric investi - Clinical PK / PD gational plan (PIP). 11 In contrast, according to the 2016 revised US FDA draft guidance on PK / PD Preclinical PSPs, 12 a paediatric study plan (PSP) is needed for candidate biosimilars in the US. 13 Preclinical Analytical The world upside down Analytical Biosimilarity to a reference product (biologic originator) is established based on a so-called totality-of-evidence approach. The bulk of a Originator development Biosimilar development biosimilar development programme is made of Objective: establish clinical effect in Objective: establish similarity comprehensive analytical (biochemical and each indication to originator biophysical) comparative testing as part of the justification for demonstration of equivalence or similarity, while the clinical part is – especially Figure 1. Biosimilar vs. originator development – the world upside down when looking at it with an originator mindset – PK = pharmacokinetics; PD = pharmacodynamics. very lean (see Figure 1). Residual uncertainties need to be addressed. Biosimilars follow a step-wise development, differences and their correlations to development programme, this often with the risk of failure decreasing at each step: physiological and clinical effects (see means that both reference products l quality comparability is essential and section The world upside down Paediatric will be included in the same involves comprehensive characterisation and below). development clinical study, and the comparison of physicochemical and biolog - The EU-approved and US- requirements for equivalence of the biosimilar ical properties; the degree of similarity approved reference products are not biosimilars differ candidate will be tested against demonstrated at this level might determine considered, by default, similar to both. the amount of additional evidence that needs each other and thus it is essential that between the EU to be generated at later stages; for further studies aiming to establish similarity use and the US. Paediatric development information on quality attributes require- the reference biologic matching the Regulatory requirements for paediatric ments by region, 14,15 see Table 1. intended target region. In practice, in a lean bio similar development differ between the EU l pre-clinical (functional) comparability

Table 1. Biosimilars in the EU and in the US – a selection of key differences

Topic EU US Definition 2, 3 A biological medicine highly similar to another A biologic product approved based on demonstrating that it is highly biological medicine already approved in the similar to a US FDA-approved biologic product, and has no clinically EU, for which there are no clinically meaningful relevant differences in terms of safety and effectiveness compared differences to the reference medicine in terms with the reference product; only minor differences in clinically of safety, quality and efficacy inactive components are allowed

Quality attributes 14,15 EMA Reflection paper on statistical US FDA Guidance for Industry: Quality Considerations in methodology for the comparative assessment Demonstrating Biosimilarity of a Therapeutic Protein Product to a of quality attributes in drug development Reference Product

Animal studies Focus on studies Animal studies required

Paediatric development 11,12,13 PIP not required PSP required

Reference product EU-approved originator biologic US-approved originator biologic

EMA = European Medicines Agency; EU = European Union; US FDA = United States Food and Drug Administration; PIP = paediatric investigational plan; PSP = paediatric study plan; US = United States.

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Biosimilarity to a reference product (biologic originator) is established based on a so-called totality-of-evidence approach. The bulk of a typical biosimilar development programme is made of comprehensive analytical (biochemical and biophysical) comparative testing as part of the justification for demonstration of equivalence or similarity, while the clinical part is ( . . . ) very lean. Residual uncertainties need to be addressed.

offers reassurance on similar effects and l one phase I PK/PD bridging study in healthy studies, it is to be kept in mind that the EU- involves functional in vitro assays to define volunteers. approved product and the US-approved product and compare the mode(s) of action: l one phase III confirmatory efficacy and are not by default equivalent, and that the l in vitro studies are always required and efficacy study in patients with the most equivalence margins and confidence interval normally cover most functional aspects. sensitive indication; switching treatment requirements may differ between regions. In l it is essential to determine the level of groups is usually included in the study design. addition, what is considered the most sensitive concern depending on quantitative/ indication (to show differ ences) and the most qualitative differences in critica l quality The objective of both types of studies is to show sensitive population within this indication is attributes. equivalence between the proposed biosimilar usually agreed upon upfront with the respective l PK (pharmacokinetics)/PD and its corresp onding originator product, for health authorities before running a comparative (pharma codynamics) and/or safety which a solid justification for the applied clinical efficacy and safety study. studies may be necessary in case of e.g., a equivalence margins is required. For generics Biosimilar studies do not test for superiority. new expression system; see Table 1 for studies, a 90% confidence interval An equivalence design at the 90% or 95% details by region. within 80%–125% equiv alence margins Clinical confidence interval is used in phase III l clinical comparability involves testing in a is acceptable for demonstrating programmes compar ative trials (generally preferred sensitive population and dose at a sensitive bioequivalence, on the assump tion for biosimilar to a non-inferiority design) and time point using an appropriate statistical that the generic and originator candidates are establishes that the biosimilar is model and testing approach; usually the medicines will have the same neither superior nor inferior to the details for phase III conduct are agreed behaviour in the body once absorbed. lean. reference product. 16 For detailed upfront with the health authority of the For biosimilarity, however, a different statistical considerations in biosimilar region intended for registration. confidence interval may be needed to development, see Balfour and Schmitt in this demonstrate similarity in exposure; this needs to issue. 17 Clinical biosimilar be discussed and justified. For generics, the focus Dose-ranging studies are not conducted in development is on comparing the absorption of the test and biosimilar development, as a biosimilar candidate Unlike in originator drug development, clinical reference products, while for biosimilars it is of will be approved for the specific approved dose(s ) programmes for biosimilar candidates are lean interest to determine a potential difference both of the originator once biosimilarity has been and rely on the clinical experience with the in the absorption and the elimination phase. shown and extrapolation has been scientifically originator biologic. Most of these programmes As already mentioned, when running global justified (see below for further details). only comprise: development programmes and designing clinical Additionally, in the case of manufacturing

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Table 2. Interchangeability and substitution in the EU and in the US – key differences 18

Topic EU US Legal basis European Commission Consensus Document 2009 BPCI Act Interchangeability “The medical practice of changing one medicine for The medical practice according to which “the biological another that is expected to achieve the same clinical effect product may be substituted for the reference product without in a given clinical setting and in any patient on the the intervention of the healthcare provider who prescribed the initiative, or with the agreement of the prescriber” reference product”

Substitution An administrative measure defined as the practice of An interchangeable product may be substituted for the dispensing one medicine instead of another equivalent reference product without the intervention of the healthcare and interchangeable medicine at the pharmacy level provider who prescribed the reference product without consulting the prescriber

Decisions on Can only be reached at national level by individual states; Individual US states control pharmacy-level substitution; interchangeability and the EMA does not have the authority to make such the US FDA may approve a product as interchangeable/ switching decisions. switching; 35 US states have passed legislation addressing Thus, pharmacy-level substitution is not routinely substitution. practised in the EU.

BPCI = Biologics Price Competition and Innovation; EMA = European Medicines Agency; EU = European Union; US = United States; US FDA = United States Food and Drug Administration.

changes during the course of development of the sensitive, thus it is often challenging to not directly tested in the development biosimilar candidate, bridging studies between meaningfully compare data with the candidate programme of the biosimilar. 4 Efficacy and safety formulations are needed to establish their biosimilar with historical data provided in the do not need to be established de novo in each equivalence (just as they are needed for label of the originator biologic. indication of the originator biologic, but a solid biological originator manufacturers in such Overall, the biosimilar candidate should have rationale is needed and extrapolation is granted situations) to ensure function preservation given the same safety profile as the originator biologic. on a case-by-case decision for each biosimilar. the inherent biological variability of biologics. Lower immunogenicity (and thus improved Key factors for the scientific rationale are usually safety) could be accepted, whereas higher im - a shared clinically relevant mode of action across Immunogenicity muno genicity cannot. In cases of lower im - indications, and the sensitivity of the studied Immunogenicity is a major safety concern munogenicity, however, efficacy could look indication and its relevance for other indications. (manifesting as hyper sensitivity reactions) not artificially higher due to lower levels of only for biosimilars, but for the develop ment of neutralising antibodies and entail higher rates of Once biosimilarity has been biologics in general. The development of other adverse events. This could none theless be established based on the antidrug-antibodies (in particular neu tral ising accepted, provided that patients without anti- antibodies) could also impact efficacy (poten - drug-anti bodies show comparable efficacy. totality-of-evidence, extra p ol at - tially result ing in a decrease or loss of ion from the studied indication efficacy), therefore clinical design and Extrapolation to all indications approved for corresponding documents need to Immunogenicity An essential concept for biosimilar reference biologic is possible address such concerns. Antibody is a major safety development is the extrapolation based on solid scientific formation takes time, thus one- concern . . . The to other indications. Once year immunogenicity data are biosimilarity has been established justification. required for most monoclonal development of based on the totality-of-evidence, antibody applications in the EU. antidrug-antibodies . . . extrapolation from the studied Previous knowledge about the could also impact indication to all indications immuno genicity of the originator efficacy. approved for the reference biologic is Interchangeability, biologic is valuable, nonetheless the possible based on solid scientific substitution, and switching immunogenic potential of small differences in justification. Following the approval of a small molecule quality attributes of the biosimilar candidate may In other words, extrapolation is the term used pharmaceutical product, being able to switch (or not be easy to predict or understand. Methods to describe the use of a biosimilar for an substitute) between pharmaceutical drug for antibody detection are becoming increasingly indication approved for the originator that was products (from originator to generic) is a well-

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The competitive biosimilar landscape is changing.

established and extensively used practice The terms interchangeability, substitution, and programmes, 22 as their new competitors and is typically implemented at the cut their way forward. With most pharmacy level. However, in addition to switching all refer to the practice of treating monoclonal antibodies coming off patent restrictions against biosimilar extrapolation, patients with the originator biologic and then by 2020 and given the introduction of bio - this type of switching (between originator changing treatment to an approved similars, existence of their originator and biosimilar) and inter changeability requires biosimilar, or changing from one biologics, and creation of biobetters (improved approval at the national level in the EU. The versions of the originator biologics), the terms “interchangeability”, “substitution”, and approved biosimilar to another oncology landscape and its key stakeholders “switching” all refer to the practice of treating approved biosimilar. (prescribers, phar macists, nurses, patients, patients with the originator biologic and then reimbursing bodies, and manufacturers) will be changing treatment to an approved biosimilar, or facing many chal lenges. 1 Several older challenges changing from one approved biosimilar to Biosimilar development – remain: the acceptance of bio similars by the another approved biosimilar. 4,18 There are a what’s next? general public and their ample use in health care; number of differences with which the EMA and “First wave” biosimilars (growth hormones and a better under standing of the impact of diff er - the US FDA regard the interchangeability of monoclonal antibodies) were vastly more ences in quality attributes on clinical efficacy and biologics and biosimilars, as detailed in Table 2. complex than pharmaceutical preparations, yet safety; 14,15 a meaningful approach to collecting relatively simple biological molecules. Bio - post-marketing safety data from biosimilars and What writers working on similars with more complex structures are their reference biologics; and efforts to globally biosimilar documents need to currently under development, with multi-subunit, converge regulatory require ments, including the know extensively post-trans lationally modified, and potential use of a global reference product. When working on biosimilar documents, writers lipid-con taining products; such products may should pay particular attention to the major key raise new complications and concerns. 4 Conclusion challenges described in Table 3. In addition, the competitive biosimilar land - The world of biosimilars brings exciting For further relevant details and practical tips scape is changing. A number of new companies opportunities for professional medical writers. for the daily work of medical writers, see have recently entered the biosimilar development As a new wave of biosimilars is currently under Brauburger and Heisel-Stöhr (focus: clinical scene and they are making fast progress. With development, and regulations in the EU and the study reports [CSRs] and common technical speed-to-market being an essential factor for US are simultaneously becoming increasingly documents [CTDs]); 19 Prechtel et al. (focus: profitable biosimilar development, traditional more complex, teams working on biosimilar pharmacovigilance documents), 20 and McMinn key players/pharma giants that were once development will need increasing guidance. et al. (focus: lay summaries) 21 in this issue of pioneers in the field may strategically opt out Medical writers can play an important role in the Medical Writing. from pursuing certain biosimilar development efficient development of biosimilar documents

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Table 3. Key challenges in writing biosimilar clinical documents and how to address them

Challenge Situation Way forward The similarity mindset We are creatures of habit who like to stick to familiar Writers should remind teams that the main goal of the biosimilarity challenge (toughest) ways of doing (i.e., writing) things and usually it exercise is to establish similarity to an already established product, not takes time for teams with an originator mindset to a treatment advantage compared with the standard of care. The shift to the biosimilar mindset. In this context, efficacy and safety of a biosimilar candidate do not need to be clinical teams have a tendency to over-interpret demonstrated de novo, this has already been done for the originator minor treatment differences throughout the results biologic. Minor safety differences between treatments in rather small sections, yet still tend to conclude “similar safety populations of patients in phase III trials should only be discussed profiles”. extensively if confounders can be meaningfully attributed and the differences are clinically relevant and raise a true concern.

The multiple treatment For comparative efficacy and safety phase III trials in Ideally, companies have learnt their lesson and have developed best periods and multiple patients, multiple treatment periods and interim practice guidelines for dealing with such instances, which are not at database locks database locks (DBLs) are the norm. After a certain all uncommon. If not, medical writers should encourage the challenge (moderate treatment period, patients are switched to a different development of best practices both in terms of dealing with data and very time- treatment (e.g., from originator biologic to biosimilar cleaning issues with impact on attributing patients to patient sets, and consuming) candidate). Data cleaning issues may arise after such in terms of standardising the way new data will be added to the clinical an interim DBL and often, teams spend hours package once available: in the form of a revised clinical study report discussing how to best address it. (CSR) including all data and treatment periods; amendments, CSRs that only focus on data from specific treatment periods etc.

The consistency If the similarity exercise is generally successful, the All documents within a clinical development programme should challenge (moderate) wording in the proposed biosimilar label will be the build into the extrapolation concept so that similarity can be concluded same as in the originator’s label. Teams often think of based on the totality of evidence. Messaging consistency across clinical new key messages to include in documents as and pre-clinical documents in the same programme is essential, and so development progresses. is addressing any residual uncertainties. Medical writers should remind teams of this whenever discussions seem to drift off.

The redundancy While complexity in terms of “writing volume” for Only key data should be presented in Module 2 documents, with challenge (moderate) Modules 2.7 and 2.5 may look low (often there are cross-references to the more detailed presentation in the individual only 2 studies and no pooling), these documents are CSRs. Medical writers should: crucial for the submission. Teams often like to repeat a) remind their teams that the CSRs are just one click away the same level of detail across all clinical documents. b) establish biosimilar-dedicated document templates within an organisation, as documents will need to be structured differently than those for originators, in order to be fit-for-purpose.

The multiple Biosimilars are commonly developed for use in the Medical writers should be familiar not only with regulatory and therapeutic areas therapeutic areas immunology (for treating chronic preferred wording requirements for biosimilar development in the challenge (easiest) autoimmune such as psoriasis, psoriatic target registration region, but also with treatment guidelines specific arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic to the indication selected for phase III development. The good news arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, for medical writers in terms of volume of work: only data for one and juvenile idiopathic arthritis), oncology, and indication need to be presented, unlike for originator biologic endocrinology (insulin analogues and growth applications. Extrapolation to other indications approved for the hormone analogues). biologic originator is possible and within the scope of the similarity exercise, based on the totality of evidence and a solid scientific justification.

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that are fit-for-purpose, both by proactively https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/ guidances/ucm291134.pdf . helping establish best practices for the writing of documents/scientific-guideline/guideline- 16. Alten R, Cronstein BN. such documents and by generally driving the similar-biological-medicinal-products- development for biosimilars. Semin shift from an originator to a biosimilar mindset. containing-biotechnology-derived-proteins Arthritis Rheum. 2015;44(6):S2–S8. -active _en-2.pdf . 17. Balfour A, Schmitt S. Statistical principles Acknowledgements 9. FDA Listing of Biosimilar Guidances in biosimilar development. Med Writ. I would like to thank Lisa Chamberlain James for [cited 2019 Mar 06]. Available from: 2019;28(2):28 –32. her comments on an earlier version of this article. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidancecom 18. GABI Journal Editor. USA and Europe plianceregulatoryinformation/guidances/ differ in interchangeability of biosimilars. Conflict of interest ucm290967.htm . 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Study Plans and Amended Initial Pediatric General/Pfizer-drops-five-preclinical- Regulatory Rapporteur. 2015;12(9):5–9. Study Plans Guidance for Industry. Draft biosimilar-programmes . 5. FDA Draft Guidance for Industry Guidance. Revision 1; March 2016. Reference Product Exclusivity for [cited 2019 Mar 06]. Available from: Biological Products Filed Under https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/ Section 351(a) of the PHS Act guidances/ucm360507.pdf . [cited 2019 Mar 06] Available from: 13. Radovan B, Beeby B. Writing pediatric https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ study plans (PSPs) – the impact of the GuidanceComplianceRegulatory revised 2016 FDA draft guidance. J Clin Information/Guidances/UCM407844.pdf . Stud. 2018;10(4):20–5. 6. GABI Report. Biosimilars Marketed in 14. EMA/CHMP/138502/2017 Draft Europe [cited 2019 Mar 06] Available reflection paper on statistical methodology from: http://www.gabionline.net/ for the comparative assessment of quality Reports/ Biosimilars-marketed-in-Europe . attributes in drug development Author information 7. First Biosimilar Approved in the United [cited 2019 Mar 06]. Available from: Diana Radovan , PhD, ELS, is a Senior Stated [cited 2019 Mar 06] Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/ Medical Writer at Trilogy Writing and https://www.pharmacytimes.com/product statistical-methodology-comparative- Consulting GmbH. Her previous extensive -news/first-biosimilar-approved-in-united- assessment-quality-attributes-drug- regulatory medical writing experience in the states . development . pharma ceutical industry included both the 8. EMEA/CHMP/BMWP/42832/2005 15. FDA Guidance for Industry: Quality biosimilar/generic and originator settings. Rev1 Guideline on similar biological Considerations in Demonstrating She holds an advanced EMWA certificate in medicinal products containing Biosimilarity of a Therapeutic Protein medical writing and is a committee member biotechnology-derived proteins as active Product to a Reference Product of EMWA’s Pharmacovigilance Special substance: non-clinical and clinical issues [cited 2019 Mar 06]. Available from: Interest Group (PV SIG). [cited 2019 Mar 06] Available from: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/

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