The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Mylan's generic versions of glatiramer acetate injection for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The approval includes both the 40 mg/mL three-times-weekly injection and the 20 mg/mL once-daily injection formulations, which are therapeutically equivalent to Teva's branded Copaxone products.
Mylan has begun shipping the medications immediately following the October 4, 2017 approval, making these treatment options readily available to patients by prescription.
Clinical Equivalence and Therapeutic Profile
The FDA designated Mylan's glatiramer acetate injections as AP-rated equivalents to Copaxone, meaning they can be substituted for their branded counterparts with the expectation of the same clinical effect and safety profile. This determination followed rigorous side-by-side analyses and characterization data demonstrating that Mylan's products contain the same active ingredient and match the branded versions in dosage form, route of administration, and strength.
Glatiramer acetate has been a mainstay in MS treatment since Copaxone's original approval in 1996. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing relapse rates and disease activity as shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Market Significance
This approval represents a significant development in the MS treatment landscape, as it marks the first generic version of Copaxone to be approved at the 40 mg dose, while also offering the 20 mg dose option. Previously, Glatopa (glatiramer acetate injection) became the first generic version of Copaxone at the 20 mg daily-injection dose when it was approved in April 2015.
Mylan's entry brings the total number of disease-modifying therapies for MS to 16, potentially expanding access to treatment through increased competition and affordability.
Patient Support Services
Recognizing the challenges of managing a chronic condition like MS, Mylan has launched a comprehensive patient support program called Mylan MS Advocate. The program is available to all patients prescribed either dose strength of Mylan's glatiramer acetate injection and includes:
- An interactive mobile app for treatment management
- In-home injection training
- A 24/7 patient support center
- Co-pay assistance for eligible patients
- Ongoing support from MS-experienced nurses
Patients using Mylan's glatiramer acetate can also utilize the WhisperJECT autoinjector for administration of either dose regimen.
Treatment Administration and Access
Both formulations of Mylan's glatiramer acetate are administered via subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections. The 40 mg/mL version is taken three times weekly, while the 20 mg/mL version is taken once daily.
Dr. Rajiv Malik, President of Mylan, emphasized the company's commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable medicines: "The approval of our generic versions of Copaxone illustrates our continued dedication to bringing complex products to market and providing more affordable treatment options to patients with chronic conditions like MS."
Multiple Sclerosis Context
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. It affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States and 2.5 million people worldwide.
Relapsing forms of MS, which these medications treat, are characterized by episodes of new or worsening symptoms followed by periods of recovery. Disease-modifying therapies like glatiramer acetate aim to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and slow the progression of disability.
Financial Support and Resources
Patients seeking financial assistance can access Mylan's co-pay program and other support resources through the Mylan MS Advocate program website at www.glatirameracetate.com or by calling (844) MYLAN MS (695-2667). Trained MS Advocate nurses are available 24/7 to answer questions about MS, glatiramer acetate, and injection techniques.
Additionally, Benefits Advocates can assist patients with insurance coordination and identifying additional sources of financial assistance to ensure treatment accessibility.
