Expanded Access to Oncology Therapies in Mexico: The Role of Bioequivalent Abiraterone and Axitinib
Author(s)
José Ángel Paladio-Hernández, MA, MS1, Pamela Sanchez, Sr., MSc2, Carlos Dominguez, BA, MA3.
1Head of Health Economics, HealthEcs Consulting, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico, 2Synthon, TLAQUEPAQUE, Mexico, 3Synthon Mexico, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico.
1Head of Health Economics, HealthEcs Consulting, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico, 2Synthon, TLAQUEPAQUE, Mexico, 3Synthon Mexico, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico.
OBJECTIVES: The introduction of bioequivalent medications offers the opportunity to improve patient access to oncology therapies in resource-constrained health systems. This study aimed to estimate the potential economic savings and expanded treatment capacity associated with increased use of bioequivalent Abiraterone (Avitosyn®) and Axitinib (Caxetib®) in Mexico.
METHODS: A retrospective budget impact model was developed using IMSS institutional procurement data from 2022 to 2024. Drug acquisition costs, public sector reference prices, and historical volumes were used to estimate total expenditures under current and alternative uptake scenarios. Two adoption scenarios were evaluated: (1) incremental increase in market share for bioequivalents (30% to 70%), and (2) exclusive use of bioequivalent formulations. Outcomes included total savings in drug expenditure and the estimated number of additional patients treatable under a budget-neutral assumption, based on average per-patient annual costs. The model assumes clinical equivalence between bioequivalent and originator formulations, as per regulatory approval standards in Mexico. No discounting or inflation adjustments were applied, given the short-term horizon and real-world nature of the data.
RESULTS: Progressive adoption of bioequivalent abiraterone and axitinib led to estimated savings ranging from MXN $87.5 million to $214.3 million annually. These savings could enable budget-neutral expansion of access to an additional 1,320 to 3,650 patients per year. In a full substitution scenario, total savings exceeded MXN $290 million, potentially allowing treatment for more than 5,100 patients. Sensitivity analyses, incorporating price variation and procurement conditions, confirmed the robustness of these findings.
CONCLUSIONS: The increased use of bioequivalent abiraterone and axitinib represents a strategically superior alternative for the Mexican healthcare system. Beyond generating substantial cost savings, this approach enables broader patient access to life-prolonging therapies in high-burden cancers. Given the epidemiological urgency and economic pressure, the systematic integration of bioequivalents into oncology formularies should be prioritised as a key enabler of equitable and sustainable cancer care in Mexico.
METHODS: A retrospective budget impact model was developed using IMSS institutional procurement data from 2022 to 2024. Drug acquisition costs, public sector reference prices, and historical volumes were used to estimate total expenditures under current and alternative uptake scenarios. Two adoption scenarios were evaluated: (1) incremental increase in market share for bioequivalents (30% to 70%), and (2) exclusive use of bioequivalent formulations. Outcomes included total savings in drug expenditure and the estimated number of additional patients treatable under a budget-neutral assumption, based on average per-patient annual costs. The model assumes clinical equivalence between bioequivalent and originator formulations, as per regulatory approval standards in Mexico. No discounting or inflation adjustments were applied, given the short-term horizon and real-world nature of the data.
RESULTS: Progressive adoption of bioequivalent abiraterone and axitinib led to estimated savings ranging from MXN $87.5 million to $214.3 million annually. These savings could enable budget-neutral expansion of access to an additional 1,320 to 3,650 patients per year. In a full substitution scenario, total savings exceeded MXN $290 million, potentially allowing treatment for more than 5,100 patients. Sensitivity analyses, incorporating price variation and procurement conditions, confirmed the robustness of these findings.
CONCLUSIONS: The increased use of bioequivalent abiraterone and axitinib represents a strategically superior alternative for the Mexican healthcare system. Beyond generating substantial cost savings, this approach enables broader patient access to life-prolonging therapies in high-burden cancers. Given the epidemiological urgency and economic pressure, the systematic integration of bioequivalents into oncology formularies should be prioritised as a key enabler of equitable and sustainable cancer care in Mexico.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE453
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Technology Assessment
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Value of Information
Disease
Oncology