OBJECTIVES: Russian antitumor generic oxaliplatin demonstrated similar efficacy and safety to originator product in a comparative randomized controlled study (n=59) when used as a part of mFOLFOX6 regimen as first line chemotherapy for metastatic colon cancer, as well as similar safety in real medical practice, according to available pharmacovigilance data. The objective of this study was to conduct pharmacoeconomic analysis of antitumor therapy with original oxaliplatin and its generic in patients with colorectal cancer.

METHODS: Cost minimization analysis (CMA) was applied.

RESULTS: During the period from July 27, 2016 to December 31, 2019, 132,570 packages of generic oxaliplatin were sold with the total amount of active substance 12,170,200 mg. Since the average dose of oxaliplatin is 85 mg/m², and the average body surface is 1.73 m², 147 mg is required for the course of treatment, and 1,323 mg of the drug for 9 courses, i.e. estimated 9,199 patients received the treatment. The cost-minimization analysis showed that substitution of original drug with generic makes it possible to save 2,475 EUR per patient, 22,767,525 EUR per 9,199 patients or 533,961,450 EUR per 215,742 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS: Substitution of original oxaliplatin drug with generic makes it possible to save 2,475 EUR per colorectal cancer patient in the short-term perspective; to estimate longer-term clinical and economic outcomes further studies are needed.