Erythropoietin-induced treatment costs in patients suffering from renal anemia - a comparison between biosimilar and originator drugs.

OBJECTIVES: Renal anemia is a serious concern for morbidity and lower quality-of-life of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease resulting in a high economic burden when administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). The aim of this study was to estimate erythropoietin-induced treatment costs in patients suffering from renal anemia undergoing dialysis treated with originator or biosimilar drugs.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of ESA-related pharmacotherapy between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 based on treatment and pharmacy claims data of 16,895 dialysis patients contained in the database of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Bavaria. All patients received an ESA treatment (ATC code B03XA) and chronic maintenance hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease stage 5.

RESULTS: Total drug expenditures for ESA-originators and biosimilars amounted to € 78.447 million for the 3-year study period. In hemodialysis patients cumulative defined daily doses (DDDs) were 7,727,782.14. Mean costs per DDD were € 10.79 (originators) and € 8.56 (biosimilars). A biosimilar substitution quota of 50% provides a savings potential of € 6.14 million [range € 3.07-9.22 million (25-75% quota)].

CONCLUSION: A more common biosimilar prescription in renal anemia patients suffering from chronic kidney disease provides a noteworthy economic savings potential.