• The comparative analytical evaluation results indicate that the proposed Keytruda®-biosimilar FYB206 is structurally and functionally highly similar to the reference product
  • Strong analytical results provide a solid foundation for the ongoing clinical trials with FYB206 and underline Formycon’s excellent position in the leading group of pembrolizumab biosimilar developers

Planegg-Martinsried, Germany – Formycon AG (FSE: FYB, “Formycon”) announced today that the results of the comparative analytical evaluation of the proposed pembrolizumab biosimilar FYB206 and the immuno-oncology blockbuster drug Keytruda®1 were published in Drugs in R&D, an international, peer-reviewed journal owned by Springer. The paper indicates that FYB206 is structurally and functionally highly similar to the reference product, thereby supporting the testing of the proposed pembrolizumab biosimilar in clinical trials to confirm the similarity between the two products.

To determine FYB206’s suitability to enter clinical trials, a comprehensive comparative analytical assessment was designed to demonstrate analytical similarity in clinically relevant quality attributes between the reference product and the corresponding biosimilar candidate. The analytical panel to evaluate similarity in the current study was designed on the basis of available information on pembrolizumab and knowledge gained during initial analyses of the reference product. The wide battery of qualified and fit for purpose analytical and functional tests was assigned to categories such as structural characterization, product-related variants, glycosylation, general properties, and biological function. All tested functional attributes with a potential impact on clinical performance (PD-1 binding, neutralization of PD-1, FcRn binding) of FYB206 were found to be highly similar to the reference product.

In summary, the results of the extensive data package from all assessments covering structure, purity, protein variants, binding and potency confirm the high similarity between FYB206 and Keytruda®.

Dr. Andreas Seidl, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Formycon, commented: “The remarkable results of this comparative analytical evaluation suggest that FYB206 has the characteristics to be a safe and efficacious alternative to Keytruda®. With this solid foundation, obtained prior to the start of the pharmacokinetic equivalence and confirmatory efficacy and safety trials with FYB206 in June and July 2024, we are committed to continuously initiate new clinical centres and to work closely with the investigators to expand access for patients with high unmet medical needs.”

The full paper entitled “Comparative Analytical Evaluation of the Proposed Biosimilar FYB206 and its Reference Medicinal Product Keytruda®” can be found here.

The active ingredient pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that belongs to the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors and is used to treat a variety of tumors. Pembrolizumab binds to the PD-1 receptor and specifically blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1. This helps the immune system to activate the body’s own cellular anti-tumor immune response and kill cancer cells. With its broad range of indications in oncology and the continuing high global demand, sales of this currently best-selling drug worldwide could rise to USD 30 billion by 2026.2

FYB206/pembrolizumab is currently being tested in the pharmacokinetic equivalence trial “Dahlia” to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability of FYB206 with the reference product Keytruda® in patients receiving adjuvant treatment for malignant melanoma (black skin cancer). The parallel “Lotus” trial compares the efficacy and safety of FYB206 with Keytruda® in combination with chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

 



1
Keytruda® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc, Rahway, NJ/USA
2 https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/merck-raises-2024-profit-forecast-strong-cancer-hpv-drugs-sales-2024-04-25/