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Review
. 2019 Dec 22;8(1):1705120.
doi: 10.1080/20016689.2019.1705120. eCollection 2020.

Tendering and biosimilars: what role for value-added services?

Steven Simoens  1 , Raymond Cheung  2
Affiliations
Review

Tendering and biosimilars: what role for value-added services?

Steven Simoens et al. J Mark Access Health Policy. .

Abstract

Background: Access to biologic medicines (including biosimilars) across Europe is largely governed by a process of tendering conducted by health authorities. Over-reliance on treatment costs in awarding tenders has the potential to hinder competition and undermine the long-term sustainability of biosimilars. Objective: To assess the extent and impact of consideration of 'value-added services' (VAS) in tendering for biosimilars, we conducted a narrative review of published literature. Results: Findings from survey-based publications indicated that tendering practices for biosimilars are widely used, with cost being the main determinant of success and little detail being available on other criteria where these apply. Criteria (of therapeutic and technical interest) beyond price were included in one tendering specification for infliximab (originator and biosimilars), while a separate tender for the same product included VAS in the form of therapeutic drug monitoring, measurement of antibodies and calprotectin. Conclusions: Published evidence concerning inclusion of VAS in tendering for biosimilars is lacking. Development and implementation of standardized criteria and methods of assessment for tenders may avoid manufacturers facing segmented markets, encourage competition and the longer-term sustainability of biosimilars, and realize the healthcare system and patient benefits these treatments can bring.

Keywords: Biosimilar; infliximab; sustainability; tendering; value-added services.

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Conflict of interest statement

Steven Simoens (SS) is one of the founders of the KU Leuven Fund on Market Analysis of Biologics and Biosimilars following Loss of Exclusivity. SS has previously conducted biosimilar research sponsored by Hospira (now Pfizer Inc); has led a stakeholder roundtable on biosimilars sponsored by Amgen, MSD, and Pfizer Inc; and has participated in an advisory board meeting on biosimilars for Pfizer Inc. Raymond Cheung was a full-time employee of and held stock options in Pfizer Inc at the time this work was conducted..

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Tender scorecard as decision instrument (Adapted from [32])
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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