Aurobindo Pharma's subsidiary CuraTeQ Biologics has announced successful results from a Phase 1 pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) study of its denosumab biosimilar, BP16. The study met all primary endpoints, demonstrating bioequivalence to the reference product Prolia.
The comprehensive study enrolled 204 healthy volunteers divided into three groups to compare BP16 with Prolia obtained from both European Union and United States markets. The trial was conducted across sites in Australia and New Zealand.
"The results from our study confirmed that BP16 exhibits a PK profile nearly identical to the reference products, achieving key bioequivalence parameters—maximum serum concentration and area under the curve—within the established bioequivalence range of 80-125 percent," said Dr. Arpitkumar Prajapati, Head of Clinical Sciences at CuraTeQ Biologics.
Dr. Prajapati further noted that BP16 demonstrated comparable pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity profiles to both EU and US versions of the reference product, successfully meeting all predefined endpoints.
Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Applications
Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the RANK ligand (RANKL), a protein essential in the lifecycle of osteoclasts—cells responsible for bone resorption. By inhibiting RANKL, denosumab effectively prevents bone breakdown, making it a valuable treatment for various bone-related conditions.
The drug has proven highly effective in treating conditions associated with bone loss, including postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone metastases from various cancers, and bone health issues related to cancer treatments.
Advancing to Phase 3 Studies
Following these positive Phase 1 results, CuraTeQ Biologics is proceeding with confidence to the next stage of clinical development.
"With the positive Phase 1 study results, we are optimistic about our ongoing Phase 3 study," said Dr. Disha Dadke, Head of R&D and Regulatory Sciences at CuraTeQ Biologics. "This study is progressing across multiple sites in the EU, focusing on women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, and we anticipate its completion by May/June 2025."
The company has outlined plans to submit a Marketing Authorization application to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year.
Market Implications
The development of BP16 represents a significant advancement in expanding access to denosumab therapy. Biosimilars typically offer cost advantages compared to reference products while maintaining comparable efficacy and safety profiles.
For Aurobindo Pharma and its subsidiary CuraTeQ Biologics, the successful development of this biosimilar could strengthen their position in the growing biologics market, particularly in treatments for bone-related disorders that affect millions of patients worldwide.
The global market for denosumab has been substantial, with the reference product Prolia being a blockbuster drug for its manufacturer. The introduction of biosimilar alternatives could potentially increase patient access to this important therapy while reducing healthcare costs.
