OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the uptake of biosimilar medicines in 8 countries

METHODS: We analyzed the sales value, sales volume and price of biosimilars in Korea, Australia, US, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italty using IMS Health Analytics Link 2012-2016. The commonly available biosimilars for 8 countries was infliximab(Remicade TM). We extracted the sales value, volumes and SU price of infliximab for both originator and biosimilars, then compared the pattern of the market penetration of biosimilar infliximab competing with the originator in each country through market size of infliximab, market share of biosimilar infliximab and the price ratio(biosimilar/originator). Also, factors influencing market uptake of biosimilars were investigated via previously published literatures.

RESULTS: As the patent expiry date of Remicade was different in each country, the launch of infliximab biosimilars varied. Korea and Australia approved biosimilar infliximab in 2012, european countries had them in 2015, and U.S. did in 2016. Market uptake of infliximab biosimilar showed different patterns for each country. Biosimilar infliximab wer observed for 4 years only in Korea and Australiam showing a contrasting trend of market size changes and maket share of the biosimilar; Market size of inflixima has increased considerably in Korea while it has slightly increased then decreased. For market share of biosimilar infliximab, Korea showed a gradual increase while Australia had a minimal portion of biosimilar infliximab. Countriies where free switiching is allowed(i.e. UK, Italy and Spain) showed a relatively high maket share of biosimilar infliximab. Pricing measures for biosimialrs differ country by country. However, price ratio converged to 1 as time went by, which means the price difference was minimal in all countries except Australia

CONCLUSIONS

: Market uptake of biosimilars varies country by country. Policy meausres on pricing and switing between originators and biosimilars would affect market penetration of bioisimilars.