March 27--Lake Forest-based Hospira released clinical data Friday for its drug Retacrit, which could become the company's first U.S.-approved biosimilar drug.
Retacrit, approved in Europe since 2008, treats anemia as a similar, low-cost version of Amgen's biologic drug Epogen. Hospira submitted its application for Retacrit to the Food and Drug administration in December.
Biosimilars are essentially generic versions of biologic drugs, which have been shown to treat complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Unlike most drugs, which are chemically based, biologics are made from living cells and therefore better at targeting the problem in the body, but more difficult to replicate exactly.
Hospira has 11 other biosimilars in its pipeline.
Earlier this month, the FDA approved the first biosimilar for the U.S. That drug, Zarxio by Sandoz, helps prevent infections during chemotherapy, and is considered an alternative to Amgen's Neupogen. A leading pharmacy benefits manager said biosimilars for Neupogen alone over the next decade are expected to save consumers $5.7 billion.
Executive changes: Dr. Jay Bhatt, 38, joined the Illinois Hospital Association as its first chief health officer Wednesday. Bhatt was formerly chief strategy and innovation officer for the Chicago Department of Public Health. He will be responsible for providing clinical leadership, organizing doctor activities and advocating for more than 200 member hospitals and 50 health systems.
Sandra Bruce, CEO of Presence Health, the state's second-largest hospital system, said Thursday that she will retire at the end of the year. The hospital system is actively seeking a successor.
Bruce, 69, is "discussing post-retirement possibilities with trusted advisers, close friends and her family," according to a spokesman.
ehirst@tribpub.com
