OBJECTIVES: Partnerships for Productive Development (PDP) aim to expand access to medicines and health products considered strategic for the Unified Health System (SUS), in addition to strengthening the country's Economic-Industrial Complex. This study aims to look over whether the expectations of reducing public costs with rituximab resulting from the introduction of this biosimilar in Brazil's public healthcare system through the PDP has been achieved so far.

METHODS: We analyzed public data from Brazil's SUS, that comprises the supply of at least 50% of the public market with Rituximab Sandoz, before and after the agreement to provide this biosimilar through public-private partnership involving technology transfer (PDP), to enhance access to essential medications and provide production autonomy to national institutions.

RESULTS: When observing the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2019 to 2023, Rituximab grew 5,9% in value and the volume of units grew 11,6%.

In 2019 the Rituximab acquisition by Ministry of Health was valued at BRL 116.8 million (values adjusted for inflation - IPCA rate). In 2023, it had decrease to BRL 93 million.

While during the same time period increased from 23.243 patients doses distributed by MoH to 34.230,which represents an increase by 47%.

The unit value of rituximab went from BRL 2,213.24 (500 mg) and BRL 442.66 (100 mg) in 2019, to BRL 980.00 (500 mg) and BRL 240.00 (100 mg) in 2023, an average reduction per mg of 49% post PDP.

The annual cost of rituximab for Ministry of Health decreased by 20% through PDP, which corresponds to BRL 23.7 million (values adjusted for inflation - IPCA rate).

CONCLUSIONS: The supply of rituximab biosimilar through PDP resulted in a 47% increase in patients doses, while reducing government expenditures by 20%. This data shows significant cost savings for the government and improved access to essential medications, which meets the expected demands of the PDP.