OBJECTIVES: To assess the budget impact of introducing an adalimumab biosimilar in Germany for all licensed adult adalimumab indications from a Statutory Health Insurance perspective.

METHODS: A cost-minimisation model was used to estimate the cost-saving potential of introducing adalimumab biosimilars across Germany over a one-year time horizon to identify the full year effect. Current adalimumab treated populations have been estimated through INSIGHTHealth sales data (retail segment data only) and the population was assumed to remain constant during the time period.

Prices of adalimumab products were obtained from published sources. For the purposes of this model, calculations assumed that no further discounting would be offered.

A full year effect cost saving potential was determined as well as savings opportunities at varying market share of the biosimilars of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% within the time period.

RESULTS: The full year effect of introducing adalimumab biosimilars into the German market was estimated to be approximately €373m assuming the market reverted to biosimilar pricing. The estimated cost saving potential with previously identified varying market share of biosimilars compared with the reference biologic was determined to be approximately €112m, €149m, €186m, €224m and €261m respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of biosimilars represents an opportunity for price competition, substantial budget saving potential within the therapeutic group and the potential for better access to biological therapy within Germany. This supports the AkdA recommendation of a more economical biosimilar prescription alternative in each case, initial prescribing of biosimilars and a physician-driven switch for continuation therapy. The cost minimisation scenario did not include any further discounting which may lead to a potential underestimation of the cost savings.