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Pharmacoeconomics of Biosimilars: What Is There to Gain from Them?

  • Biosimilars (E Mysler, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Despite representing a breakthrough in the treatment of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases, the direct costs of biotechnological therapies represent a burden to healthcare budgets worldwide. Furthermore, several studies demonstrated that socioeconomically constrained countries have poorer access to these therapies and this has consequences on the optimal management of rheumatic patients. Experience with small peptide biosimilars like filgrastim and epoetin confirmed significant cost savings but revealed variable market uptake. In this report, we summarize the available budget impact models and discuss possible determinants of the pharmacoeconomic performance of antirheumatic biosimilar drugs.

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Correspondence to João Eurico Fonseca.

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FCA reports personal fees from Pfizer, outside the submitted work. JG reports personal fees from Pfizer, Merck, Abbvie, Roche, Celltrion, and Sandoz, outside the submitted work. JEF reports institutional grants from UCB and Pfizer, personal fees from Jansen, Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, and Roche, and advisory board service for Celgene, Novartis and Hospira, outside the submitted work.

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Araújo, F.C., Gonçalves, J. & Fonseca, J.E. Pharmacoeconomics of Biosimilars: What Is There to Gain from Them?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 18, 50 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-016-0601-0

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