Biologicals and Biosimilars: Gaps in the Pharmacovigilance System in Portugal

Authors

  • Maria da Conceição Constantino Portela Instituto de Ciências da Saúde. Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Lisboa. Portugal.
  • Carlos Sinogas Acompanhamento Farmacoterapêutico, Lda. Pavia. Portugal. Departamento de Biologia. Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia. Universidade de Évora. Évora. Portugal.
  • Fernando Albuquerque de Almeida Institute of Health Policy & Management. Erasmus University Rotterdam. Rotterdam. The Netherlands.
  • Ricardo Baptista-Leite Instituto de Ciências da Saúde. Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Lisboa. Portugal. Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Maastricht University. Maastricht. The Netherlands.
  • Alexandre Castro-Caldas Instituto de Ciências da Saúde. Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Lisboa. Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.8079

Keywords:

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems, Biological Products, Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals, Drug Monitoring, Pharmacovigilance, Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: Biological and biosimilar medicinal products have specific characteristics that call for a closer monitoring of their safety profile. Since the current legal framework stems from both European and national regulations, some gaps in the operational field may be expected. The goal of this paper is to identify these gaps and propose changes to the current information systems and pharmacovigilance regulations.
Material and Methods: A qualitative analysis of current pharmacovigilance regulatory framework and supporting information system was conducted.
Results: Current pharmacovigilance system does not seem to vouch for the safe use of biologicals and biosimilar drugs. The gaps found in reviewed materials may be attributable to their lack of specificity for biopharmaceuticals.
Discussion: Biologicals therapy presents specific determinants related with the drugs, prescription, and traceability, without replication in any other segment of the pharmaceutical market. They are able to shape their safety profile.
Conclusion: The existing pharmacovigilance’s regulatory framework should be adjusted in order to improve the safety related with biopharmaceutical therapy. Some intervention measures are proposed.

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Published

2017-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Portela M da CC, Sinogas C, Almeida FA de, Baptista-Leite R, Castro-Caldas A. Biologicals and Biosimilars: Gaps in the Pharmacovigilance System in Portugal. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2017 Mar. 31 [cited 2024 Nov. 25];30(3):205-12. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/8079

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 3 (2017): March

Section

Original

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