THU0656 Etanercept biosimilar usage and associated cost savings in germany
Authors: K Thakur, A Handrich, E Psachoulia
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> The first etanercept biosimilar was approved by the European Commission in January 2016. Of the 27,000 patients* estimated to be treated with etanercept biosimilar in the Europe, 5,122 patients* are estimated to be on the etanercept biosimilar in Germany at the end of the analysis period. Its usage in Europe may support healthcare sustainability by reducing costs, thereby relieving the burden on healthcare budgets and improving patient9s ability to get the right care at the right time. <h3>Objectives</h3> The analysis aimed to estimate the pharmacoeconomic impact of etanercept biosimilar use in Germany between March and December 2016. <h3>Methods</h3> The volume of etanercept biosimilar prescribed in Germany was calculated using sell-out data from retail pharmacies to patients sourced from INSIGHT Health. For this analysis, only the pre-filled syringe (PFS) and pre-filled pen (PFP) presentations of 50 mg etanercept were considered. The biosimilar volume share was calculated by dividing the total etanercept biosimilar 50 mg units prescribed by total etanercept 50 mg units prescribed. The cost savings realized through the use of the biosimilar was calculated using the INSIGHT Health volume data and the pharmacies selling price (source: Lauertaxe) of the etanercept reference product and the etanercept biosimilar. (Note: volume, volume share, patient and price data will be updated at time of presentation to reflect most current impact of etanercept biosimilars use). <h3>Results</h3> Based on 5,122 patients currently estimated to be treated with etanercept biosimilar (volume share of 21.4% in Dec 2016) in Germany and on the price differential between etanercept biosimilar and the reference product, a total cost saving of 8.8 million EUR was realized during the analysis period. Assuming these patients remain on etanercept biosimilar treatment, a total savings of 21.1 million EUR** can be returned annually to the healthcare system, compared to using only the reference product. This annual cost savings could be utilized to provide treatment to additional 1,208 patients with etanercept biosimilar. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Experience with etanercept biosimilar has been growing in Germany, as reflected by the growing market share. Based on the current number of patients treated with etanercept biosimilar, savings of 21.1 million EUR are projected to be returned to the health system in Germany annually. The economic burden associated with etanercept treatment is expected to decrease further with an increase in market share for the etanercept biosimilar. These savings can have a significant impact on broadening patient access to biologic treatment in Germany. <h3>References</h3> http://www.ema.europa.eu/. INSIGHT Health GmbH &amp; Co.KG. WHO ATC/DDD classification (final) for etanercept in: WHO Drug Information Vol 15, No 2, 2001. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> K. Thakur Shareholder of: Biogen, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, A. Handrich Shareholder of: Biogen, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, E. Psachoulia Shareholder of: Biogen, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen