Merck Sharp and Dohme biosimilar data to be presented at ACR/ARHP 2015

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced that data on its new biosimilar therapies is to be presented at the 2015 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Association for Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) annual meeting.

The company's development partner Samsung Bioepis will present phase III clinical data for three investigational immunology biosimilar candidates at the conference in San Francisco from November 7th to 11th.

Data on the companies' biosimilar versions of etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab will all be showcased, demonstrating their effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Merck and Samsung Bioepis have a collaborative agreement to develop and commercialise biosimilar candidates in immunology, oncology and diabetes, having agreed to work together in this field in 2013.

Dora Bibila, general manager for Merck Biosimilars, said: "Merck is committed to commercialising biosimilar alternatives to existing biologic therapies, and we are excited by the opportunity to expand patient access to effective and more affordable treatment options."

This comes after Merck Sharp and Dohme announced a new oncology-focused drug discovery collaboration with Selvita earlier this week.