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Questions and Answers About Biosimilars

A biosimilar is defined as a large, complex molecule that is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and potency from the reference product.1

In 2009, The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) created a therapeutic approval pathway for biosimilars. This abbreviated pathway was established as a way to provide more treatment options, increase access to lifesaving medications, and potentially lower healthcare costs through price competition.2

Although more recent in the United States, other therapeutic biosimilars have been in use in the European Union and worldwide for more than a decade, with the first biosimilar approved in 2006.3-5

To meet the rigorous standards set by the FDA, manufacturers must supply an extensive data package for biosimilars. In addition, a biologic medicine typically has around 250 in-process tests during manufacturing to assure quality and consistency.2,6

Required data include7:

Charts and graphs

Analytical studies to demonstrate that the biologic is highly similar to the reference product, notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components

A laboratory mouse

Animal studies including an assessment of toxicity

People in clinical studies

Clinical studies to demonstrate there are no clinically meaningful differences in safety and potency for the proposed biosimilar product

The goal of a biosimilar development program for gaining FDA approval is demonstrating high similarity between the proposed biosimilar product and the reference product—not to independently establish the safety and efficacy of the proposed product.7

Yes. Truxima was initially approved in the US, November 2018 for certain indications, has demonstrated biosimiliarity to RituxanⓇ (rituximab) through a totality of evidence, and has no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency.8-10

TRUXIMA is approved for use in more than 60 countries.11*

*Approved indications of TRUXIMA vary by country and indications may be different from those approved in the US.

TRUXIMA is a treatment alternative to Rituxan for the indications listed below.8,9

Offering competitive pricing for TRUXIMA is our key priority.

Make TRUXIMA your rituximab of choice8

Additional biosimilar resources

Visit tevabiosimilars.com

or these non-profit member organizations and regulatory bodies for more information on biosimilars.

Click on a logo below to visit the website

INDICATIONS

TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs) Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)

  • Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent.
  • Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to a rituximab product in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy.
  • Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy.
  • Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

  • In combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • In combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of adult patients with moderately- to severely-active RA who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s Granulomatosis) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)

  • In combination with glucocorticoids, for the treatment of adult patients with GPA and MPA

Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV)

  • Moderate to severe PV.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: FATAL INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS, SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY

Infusion-Related Reactions: Administration of rituximab products can result in serious, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Deaths within 24 hours of rituximab infusion have occurred. Approximately 80% of fatal infusion-related reactions occurred in association with the first infusion. Monitor patients closely. Discontinue TRUXIMA infusion for severe reactions and provide medical treatment for Grade 3 or 4 infusion-related reactions.

Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions: Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving rituximab products.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation: HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with rituximab products, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Screen all patients for HBV infection before treatment initiation, and monitor patients during and after treatment with TRUXIMA. Discontinue TRUXIMA and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving rituximab products.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Infusion-Related Reactions - Rituximab products can cause severe, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Severe reactions typically occurred during the first infusion with time to onset of 30-120 minutes. Rituximab product-induced infusion-related reactions and sequelae include urticaria, hypotension, angioedema, hypoxia, bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, anaphylactoid events, or death.

Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing. For RA, GPA and MPA, and PV patients, methylprednisolone 100 mg intravenously or its equivalent is recommended 30 minutes prior to each infusion. Institute medical management (e.g. glucocorticoids, epinephrine, bronchodilators, or oxygen) for infusion-related reactions as needed. Depending on the severity of the infusion-related reaction and the required interventions, temporarily or permanently discontinue TRUXIMA. Resume infusion at a minimum 50% reduction in rate after symptoms have resolved. Closely monitor the following patients: those with pre-existing cardiac or pulmonary conditions, those who experienced prior cardiopulmonary adverse reactions, and those with high numbers of circulating malignant cells (greater than or equal to 25,000/mm3).

Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions - Mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcome, can occur in patients treated with rituximab products. These reactions include paraneoplastic pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lichenoid dermatitis, vesiculobullous dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The onset of these reactions has been variable and includes reports with onset on the first day of rituximab exposure. Discontinue TRUXIMA in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction. The safety of re-administration of rituximab products to patients with severe mucocutaneous reactions has not been determined

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs classified as CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including rituximab products. Cases have been reported in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and also in patients who are HBsAg negative but are hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive. Reactivation has also occurred in patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection (i.e., HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive and hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] positive).

HBV reactivation is defined as an abrupt increase in HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA levels or detection of HBsAg in a person who was previously HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive. Reactivation of HBV replication is often followed by hepatitis, i.e., increase in transaminase levels. In severe cases, increase in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death can occur.

Screen all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating treatment with TRUXIMA. For patients who show evidence of prior hepatitis B infection (HBsAg positive [regardless of antibody status] or HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive), consult with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for HBV antiviral therapy before and/or during TRUXIMA treatment.

Monitor patients with evidence of current or prior HBV infection for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation during and for several months following TRUXIMA therapy. HBV reactivation has been reported up to 24 months following completion of rituximab therapy.

In patients who develop reactivation of HBV while on TRUXIMA, immediately discontinue TRUXIMA and any concomitant chemotherapy, and institute appropriate treatment. Insufficient data exist regarding the safety of resuming TRUXIMA treatment in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Resumption of TRUXIMA treatment in patients whose HBV reactivation resolves should be discussed with physicians with expertise in managing HBV.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) - JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in rituximab product-treated patients with hematologic malignancies or with autoimmune diseases. The majority of patients with hematologic malignancies diagnosed with PML received rituximab in combination with chemotherapy or as part of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The patients with autoimmune diseases had prior or concurrent immunosuppressive therapy. Most cases of PML were diagnosed within 12 months of their last infusion of rituximab.

Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset neurologic manifestations. Evaluation of PML includes, but is not limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture.

Discontinue TRUXIMA and consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) - Acute renal failure, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, or hyperphosphatemia from tumor lysis, sometimes fatal, can occur within 12 to 24 hours after the first infusion of rituximab products in patients with NHL. A high number of circulating malignant cells (≥25,000/mm3) or high tumor burden, confers a greater risk of TLS.

Administer aggressive intravenous hydration and anti-hyperuricemic therapy in patients at high risk for TLS. Correct electrolyte abnormalities, monitor renal function and fluid balance, and administer supportive care, including dialysis as indicated.

Infections - Serious, including fatal, bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections can occur during and following the completion of rituximab product-based therapy. Infections have been reported in some patients with prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia (defined as hypogammaglobulinemia >11 months after rituximab exposure). New or reactivated viral infections included cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, varicella zoster virus, West Nile virus, and hepatitis B and C. Discontinue TRUXIMA for serious infections and institute appropriate anti-infective therapy. TRUXIMA is not recommended for use in patients with severe, active infections.

Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions - Cardiac adverse reactions, including ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock may occur in patients receiving rituximab products. Discontinue infusions for serious or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Perform cardiac monitoring during and after all infusions of TRUXIMA for patients who develop clinically significant arrhythmias, or who have a history of arrhythmia or angina.

Renal Toxicity - Severe, including fatal, renal toxicity can occur after rituximab product administration in patients with NHL. Renal toxicity has occurred in patients who experience TLS and in patients with NHL administered concomitant cisplatin therapy during clinical trials. The combination of cisplatin and TRUXIMA is not an approved treatment regimen. Monitor closely for signs of renal failure and discontinue TRUXIMA in patients with a rising serum creatinine or oliguria.

Bowel Obstruction and Perforation - Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and perforation, in some cases leading to death, can occur in patients receiving rituximab products in combination with chemotherapy. In postmarketing reports, the mean time to documented gastrointestinal perforation was 6 (range 1 to 77) days in patients with NHL. Evaluate if symptoms of obstruction such as abdominal pain or repeated vomiting occur.

Immunization - The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab product therapy has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment.

Prior to initiating TRUXIMA physicians should ensure patients’ vaccinations and immunizations are up-to-date with guidelines. Administration of any non-live vaccines should occur at least 4 weeks prior to a course of TRUXIMA.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity - Based on human data, rituximab products can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed in-utero. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TRUXIMA and for 12 months after the last dose. Verify pregnancy status in females with reproductive potential before starting TRUXIMA.

Concomitant Use With Other Biologic Agents and Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), Other Than Methotrexate, in RA, GPA, and MPA, PV

Limited data are available on the safety of the use of biologic agents or DMARDs other than methotrexate in RA patients exhibiting peripheral B-cell depletion following treatment with rituximab products. Observe patients closely for signs of infection if biologic agents and/or DMARDs are used concomitantly.

Use of concomitant immunosuppressants other than corticosteroids has not been studied in GPA or MPA or PV patients exhibiting peripheral B-cell depletion following treatment with rituximab products.

Use in RA Patients Who Have Not Had Prior Inadequate Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Antagonists

The use of TRUXIMA in patients with RA who have not had prior inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonists is not recommended.

Lactation - There are limited data on the presence of rituximab in human milk and the effect on the breastfed child, and there are no data on the effect on milk production. Rituximab has been reported to be excreted at low concentrations in human breast milk. Given that the clinical significance of this finding for children is not known, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with TRUXIMA and for 6 months after the last dose due to the potential of serious adverse reactions in breastfed children.

Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials of NHL (≥25%) were: infusion-related reactions, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection, and asthenia.

Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials of CLL (≥25%) were: infusion-related reactions and neutropenia.

Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials of RA (≥10%) were: upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, and bronchitis (other important adverse reactions include infusion-related reactions, serious infections, and cardiovascular events).

Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials of GPA and MPA (≥15%) were: infections, nausea, diarrhea, headache, muscle spasms, anemia, peripheral edema, and infusion-related reactions.

Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials of PV (greater than or equal to 15%) were: were: infusion-related reactions, depression, upper respiratory tract infection/nasopharyngitis, headache (other important adverse reactions include infections).

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for TRUXIMA, including BOXED WARNINGS.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

References: 1. US Food and Drug Administration. What is a biosimilar? https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/developmentapprovalprocess/howdrugsaredevelopedandapproved/approvalapplications/therapeuticbiologicapplications/biosimilars/UCM585738.pdf. Accessed June 20, 2025. 2. US Food and Drug Administration. Biosimilar product regulatory review and approval. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/review-and-approval. Accessed June 20, 2025. 3. European Medicines Agency. Biosimilars in the EU. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/biosimilar-medicines-overview. Accessed June 20, 2025. 4. Schiestl M, Zabransky M, Sörgel F. Ten years of biosimilars in Europe: development and evolution of the regulatory pathways. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2017;11:1509-1515. 5. Sandoz Press Release. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/sandoz-launches-zarxiotm-filgrastim-sndz-first-biosimilar-united-states. Accessed June 20, 2025. 6. Research Advocacy Network. Introduction to Biosimilar Medicines. https://researchadvocacy.org/sites/default/files/resources/Biosimilar%20Medicines_Final-download.pdf. Accessed June 20, 2025. 7. US Food and Drug Administration. Labeling for biosimilar products. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/guidancecomplianceregulatoryinformation/guidances/UCM493439.pdf. Accessed June 20, 2025. 8. TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs) Prescribing Information. Incheon, Republic of Korea: Celltrion, Inc. 9. Rituxan® (rituximab) full Prescribing Information, South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc. 10. US Food and Drug Administration. Scientific considerations in demonstrating biosimilarity to a reference product. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/guidances/ucm291128.pdf. Accessed June 20, 2025. 11. Data on file. Parsippany, NJ: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.