Biosimilar infliximab for the management of rheumatoid arthritis in France: what are the expected savings?

Abstract

ObjectivesBiosimilar infliximab, the first similar biological medicinal product containing monoclonal antibodies to be commercialised, is likely to contribute to a significant reduction in healthcare costs. We aimed to assess the cost savings potential over 1 year of the use of biosimilar infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Alsace and in France, in a real-life setting.MethodsThe analysis was based on a previously conducted observational study which evaluated the annual cost of the care of patients with RA treated with biological therapies in 2012 in Alsace. Average annual costs to manage RA patients were calculated, taking into account the decrease in the retail price between 2012 and 2015 (as given in the official national price list) and the local negotiated price for biosimilar infliximab. Annual cost savings for different biosimilar prescription scenarios were calculated using 2015 prices.ResultsManagement of RA patients with biosimilar infliximab was significantly cheaper than with adalimumab or etanercept (€11 907 vs €12 981 and €13 551, respectively). The projected annual cost savings reached €13.6 million nationally, if all adult RA patients treated with the originator infliximab switched to the biosimilar drug. These savings, if fully reallocated for the treatment of RA, would enable the treatment of 1141 additional patients.ConclusionsThe study showed a positive financial impact of introducing biosimilar infliximab for the treatment of RA patients in France. Such savings could contribute to improved patient care by allowing more patients to be treated without more money being spent.

Perspectives of Hospital Pharmacists Towards Biosimilar Medicines: A Survey of Polish Pharmacy Practice in General Hospitals

“…Furthermore, in the study by Hemmington et al [ 21 ] 21.3% of specialised physicians indicated that they would explain to their patients that biosimilars are a cost-effective option. The usage of biosimilars may allow facilities to save costs; in some countries and under certain circumstances biosimilars can be much cheaper than reference medicines and more patients could receive this modern therapy [ 23 – 25 ]. Community and hospital pharmacists (92%) from France indicated “Health care costs savings” as their motivation to promote the prescribing of biosimilars [ 26 ].…”

Knowledge, behaviors and practices of community and hospital pharmacists towards biosimilar medicines: Results of a French web-based survey

“…[5][6][7][8] In a previous analysis, we showed that management of rheumatoid arthritis patients with biosimilar infliximab in France could result in €13.6 million annual cost savings, enabling treatment of 1,141 additional patients if fully reallocated. 8 Many pharmacists did not feel sufficiently informed about tolerance and iatrogenic effects. However, various clinical trials provided evidence-based information to confirm that there are no meaningful differences in terms of quality, safety and efficacy between a reference biological medicinal product and biosimilar drugs.…”

“…1 Considering this environment, the availability of biosimilar alternatives, i.e., versions of reference biological medicinal products, is critical for containing the health care expenses. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] A biosimilar of infliximab has been on the European market since the beginning of 2015. Subsequently, the availability of the 6 other monoclonal antibodies listed above, in addition to many other reference biological medicinal products, may encourage the production of similar biological medicinal products when patents expire.…”

The effect of new biosimilars in rheumatology and gastroenterology specialities on UK healthcare budgets: Results of a budget impact analysis

“…Several BIAs assessing the impact of the introduction of infliximab and etanercept biosimilars were found in the literature [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. As these BIAs were conducted in different countries in Europe, the total spending on bDMARDs and bDMAIDs varies between countries and the comparisons between international budgets would be inappropriate.…”

“…A survey of the literature revealed that budget impact analyses have been performed to estimate cost savings associated with the entry of infliximab and etanercept biosimilars before and after their market entry at national and international levels [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. The majority of these budget impact analyses were based on third-party payer perspective (public health systems, payers, patients, and healthcare professionals).…”