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

Abstract

Background: The approval of new biosimilars of infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab by the European Medicines Agency is expected to produce further cost savings to the healthcare system budget.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the budget impact of the introduction of new biosimilars Flixabi^®, Erelzi^®, Solymbic^®, Amgevita^® and Imraldi^® in rheumatology and gastroenterology specialities in the UK.

Methods: A published budget impact model was adapted to estimate the expected cost savings following the entry of new biosimilars Flixabi^®, Erelzi^®, Solymbic^®, Amgevita^® and Imraldi^® in the UK over three-year time horizon. This model was based on retrospective market shares of biologics used in rheumatology and gastroenterology which were derived from DEFINE Software and healthcare professional perspectives.

Results: The model predicted that infliximab and etanercept biosimilars would replace their corresponding reference agents by 2020. Adalimumab biosimilars were predicted to achieve 19% of the rheumatology and gastroenterology market by 2020. Without the introduction of further biosimilars, the model predicted a reduction in expenditure of £44 million on biologics over the next three years. With the entry of Flixabi^®, Erelzi^®, Solymbic^®, Amgevita^® and Imraldi^® the model estimates cumulative savings of £285 million by 2020.

Conclusions: The introduction of new infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab biosimilars will be associated with considerable cost savings and have a substantial favourable impact on the UK NHS budget. The number of biosimilars and time of entry of is critical to create competition which will result in maximum cost savings.

Keywords: Biosimilar; Budget impact analysis; Gastroenterology; Rheumatology.