A cross-sectional study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy in late 2017 found that the uptake of biosimilars in the United Kingdom has been highly variable and generally lower than expected.
A cross-sectional study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy in 2017 set out to determine the uptake and acceptance of the first wave of biosimilars marketed in the United Kingdom prior to 2015: somatropin, epoetin, and filgrastim, by local formularies. The results of the study suggest that the uptake of biosimilars in the United Kingdom has been highly variable and generally lower than expected.
Researchers conducted the study from November 2014 to December 2014, using a list of 157 Acute Trusts (accountable organizations within the National Health Service, or NHS, that manage and control performance, service quality, and financial efficiency of hospitals in the United Kingdom) acquired from the NHS England website. The most recent versions of local medicines formularies were utilized and assessed on the following criteria: uptake of biosimilars, compliance to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommendation on brand name prescribing of biologics, and the consideration given to population or indication-specific recommendations.
In total, 146 formularies were identified for inclusion in the study: 129 in England, 10 in Scotland, and 7 in Wales. In terms of joint formularies, which were defined by researchers as a “local formulary that was developed and/or used simultaneously by more than one healthcare providing organization,” 43% of the 146 formularies identified fell into this category.
The formulary uptake and listing approaches differed across the 3 targets groups:
Variations between the formularies of each country were noted, with 27% of English formularies listing biosimilar filgrastim in preference to the reference product, versus 12.5% and 14.3% amongst Scottish and Welsh formularies, respectively. However, in somatropin and epoetin, 7% and 4% of English formularies preferred the biosimilar over the originator; respectively, though no Scottish or Welsh formularies did so.
Finally, the researchers found that only 6 formularies listed at least 1 biosimilar from all 3 investigated groups. Researchers found no instances of biosimilars being preferred to the reference product across all 3 groups; however, only 2 formularies always listed reference products as preferred to biosimilars.
Overall, the study found that the uptake of biosimilars in the United Kingdom remains inconstant, but generally less than anticipated, especially given that, historically, the United Kingdom’s pharmaceutical market is considerably generic-driven. Researchers note that the principle limitation of the study is using only local medicines formularies as a proxy for actual prescribing practice, which may not necessarily provide an accurate representation of biosimilar prescribing.
Biosimilar Substitution Can Reduce TCOC, Improve Provider Performance in Value-Based Payment Models
December 7th 2023A simulation study estimated the impact of biosimilar substitution on total cost of care (TCOC) and provider financial performance in the final performance period of the Oncology Care Model.
Biosimilar Business Roundup for October 2023—Podcast Edition
November 5th 2023On this episode, we discuss the biggest news to come out of October 2023, including 3 regulatory approvals, 2 complete response letters, and new data and industry insights that have the potential to impact the entire US biosimilar industry.
Study Documents HCPs’ Experiences of a Mandatory Switch to Inform Future Transitions
December 2nd 2023A survey explores the experiences of health care providers (HCP) in New Zealand throughout the transition process following a mandatory switch from the adalimumab originator (Humira) to a biosimilar in 2022.
Biosimilars Business Roundup For August 2023—Podcast Edition
September 5th 2023On this episode, we’re giving an overview of some of the biggest stories in the business space regarding biosimilars, like the approval of the first neurology biosimilar, growth projections from company quarterly expense reports, and some analyses about the health of the market.
HHS Praises Biosimilars Savings but Opportunities to Reduce Part B Spending Remain
November 28th 2023Although biosimilars have already generated savings for Medicare Part B programs and beneficiaries, opportunities for substantial reductions in spending remain, according to a report from the HHS.
CVS Caremark Switches Up Biosimilar Coverage in 2024
November 27th 2023As new biosimilars are added to CVS Caremark’s standard formulary, others are removed. One notable change is with the Humira biosimilars: the pharmacy benefit manager has removed Amjevita in favor of Hyrimoz and an unbranded biosimilar.