LB1011 Cost and access changes with TNFa inhibitor biosimilars entering the market
July 2024
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
TLDR Biosimilars lower costs but don't significantly improve access.
This study analyzed the impact of biosimilars entering the market on the cost and access to biologics like adalimumab, using CMS Medicare spending data from 2017 to 2021. It found that when biologics lose patent exclusivity, there is typically a decrease in cost per unit and a reduction in market share for the branded medication. For example, branded infliximab saw a 53% cost reduction and a 26% decrease in beneficiaries. However, the study noted that despite the cost reductions, there isn't a significant increase in total beneficiaries for these medications, suggesting that lower costs do not necessarily translate to improved accessibility or affordability.