Naming
Biosimilars, although highly similar to the reference product, may not be highly similar to each other. In Canada, biologic drugs, including biosimilars, are identified by brand name, common (non-proprietary name) and DIN.
However, there are calls for a naming convention that distinguishes between biologic drugs that share the same common name to facilitate accurate prescribing and pharmacovigilance. Health Canada has supported WHO efforts to develop a global naming convention with a “Biological Qualifier” that would be applicable to all biological substances.
Health Canada is currently evaluating the most appropriate naming convention for biosimilars.1
References: 1. Parker C. Health Canada. Regulation of biosimilars: challenges and opportunities. https://www.conferenceboard.ca/docs/default-source/conf-pres-public/17-0064_p3_parker.pdf?sfvrsn=0. Published April 2017. Accessed September 6, 2018.
2. World Health Organization. Biological Qualifier: An INN Proposal. Programme on International Non-proprietary Names (INN). www.who.int/medicines/services/inn/WHO_INN_BQ_proposal_2015.pdf. Published June 2015. Accessed September 19, 2018.
