UK launches campaign to promote research on biosimilars

Biosimilars/General | Posted 17/11/2017 post-comment0 Post your comment

A new campaign launched by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to unlock the potential benefits of biosimilars in the National Health Service (NHS) through clinical trials.

21 AA010935

In 2015/16, the NHS spent over GBP 416 million for the biological adalimumab. This is the biggest spend in the UK for a single drug. Currently, six of the top 10 medicines (in terms of spend) prescribed in UK hospitals are biologicals. With patent expiries for leading biologicals on the horizon, the UK wants to encourage the life sciences industry to develop less expensive similar versions of biologicals known as biosimilars.

The campaign, which is called ‘Focus on Biosimilars’, was launched on 16 October 2017. The campaign will explore some of the key questions associated with unlocking the potential benefits of biosimilars in the NHS including:

  • Why should life science industry companies bring their clinical trials to the UK?
  • Why should NHS health professionals support clinical trials of biosimilar drugs?
  • Why should patients consider taking part in a clinical trial or switching programme?

The UK hopes that the lower cost of biosimilars will help to ensure the sustainability of the NHS. According to the NIHR, ‘they will also broaden access to cutting edge treatments by providing new treatment options for patients who don’t quite meet the current biologic[al]s prescribing thresholds’. 

Relatively low usage of biologicals reduces the UK’s attractiveness as a biosimilars market [1]. Biosimilars in the UK make up only 30% of the volume market share of their reference product, despite the fact that the UK has one of the highest market shares of generics in Europe [2]. However, the NIHR says that ‘the uptake and acceptance of biosimilars has rapidly accelerated across the NHS in recent years’ - the clinical evidence base is growing, benefits are beginning to be realized and cost savings are coming to the fore.

Related article
Savings to be made by using etanercept biosimilar in UK

References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilar policies in the UK [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2017 Nov 17]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Reports/Biosimilar-policies-in-the-UK
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. UK biosimilars uptake lower than in some other EU countries [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2017 Nov 17]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Reports/UK-biosimilars-uptake-lower-than-in-some-other-EU-countries

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.

Copyright – Unless otherwise stated all contents of this website are © 2017 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.

Source: NHS

comment icon Comments (0)
Post your comment
Related content
Promotion of biosimilar product development in Puerto Rico
Biological 143606710 V14J14ct
Biosimilars/General Posted 17/10/2023
CVS’ Cordavis to launch Sandoz’s Hyrimoz (adalimumab)
15 AA010699
Biosimilars/General Posted 03/10/2023
Most viewed articles
About GaBI
Home/About GaBI Posted 06/08/2009
EU guidelines for biosimilars
EMA logo 1 V13C15
Home/Guidelines Posted 08/10/2010