OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the budget impact of introducing filgotinib as a first-line treatment option for patients with moderate or severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in Greece.

METHODS: To assess the budget impact of introducing filgotinib for ulcerative colitis (UC) in Greece, we adapted an existing pharmacoeconomic model, using cost data referring to the year 2023 collected through official resources. The analysis compares two scenarios over a five-year horizon starting from 2024: a "World without Filgotinib",” reflecting current UC management practices, and a "World with filgotinib",” to estimate post-introduction economic implications. This budget impact analysis evaluates direct medical costs including pharmaceuticals, administration, monitoring, hospitalization, and adverse event management, providing a detailed financial assessment of integrating filgotinib into UC treatment strategies in Greece.

RESULTS: The introduction of filgotinib resulted in significant annual savings for the third-party payer, with immediate savings of €177,873 in 2024 and cumulative savings reaching €1,832,112 by the fifth year (2028). These savings peak at €560,051 in 2028, demonstrating a consistent increase as filgotinib's market share grows. The primary drivers of these savings are reductions in drug acquisition and administration costs.

CONCLUSIONS: Filgotinib's favorable economic impact, alongside its clinical efficacy, supports its potential as a valuable addition to current treatment options for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, promising both healthcare cost efficiencies and improved patient outcomes in the Greek healthcare setting. This study provides compelling evidence for policymakers and healthcare providers considering the economic impact of filgotinib's inclusion in UC management protocols.