Price variability of TNF-α inhibitor biosimilars across European countries

Background: The price of TNF-α inhibitor biosimilars of adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab is lower than their respective originators, but their price variability in Europe has not been investigated yet. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the price variability of TNF-α inhibitor biosimilars across European countries. Methods: A survey was conducted among five dermatologists working in academic reference centres for psoriasis in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The survey assessed the pharmacy price of one package of adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab biosimilars and their originators as well as the price per unit dose (i.e. the amount of medication administered to a patient in a single dose) paid by local hospital pharmacies. Results: The highest biosimilar prices were reported in Germany and the lowest ones in Italy and Spain, with prices in France and Denmark lying in between. In particular, regarding adalimumab biosimilars, the highest price per unit dose was reported in Germany (€494.51) while the lowest one in Spain (€21.00). Regarding etanercept biosimilars, the highest price per unit dose was also reported in Germany (€282.52) while the lowest one in Italy (€11.69). Lastly, regarding infliximab biosimilars, the highest price per unit dose was reported in Germany (€716.45) while the lowest one in Spain (€191.60). Conclusion: Considerable differences were found in the price of TNF-α inhibitor biosimilars across European countries. Such biosimilar price variability may have a strong impact on healthcare costs and influence psoriasis patients’ access to biological treatment.