Río-Álvarez I, Cruz-Martos E. Overview of biosimilar medicines in Spain: market dynamics, policies, evidence-based insights and avenues for a sustainable market.
Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024:1-15. [PMID:
38842367 DOI:
10.1080/14712598.2024.2363229]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
After 17 years on the market, biosimilar medicines have contributed significantly to the sustainability of healthcare in Spain, providing cost-effective treatment options and savings of more than €1 billion by 2022 alone. To fully exploit this potential and meet the European pharmaceutical strategy's objectives of increased access and a resilient supply chain, Member States need to optimize their biosimilars policies.
AREAS COVERED
We conducted an exhaustive review of biosimilar medicines in Spain, first describing their regulatory framework. Biosimilar policies at both national and regional level have been collected and updated figures on the biosimilars market are provided based on official data. Knowledge and acceptance of biosimilar medicines among patients and medical societies based on biosimilar positioning documents is reviewed. National evidence on the contribution of biosimilars to savings and sustainability is also included in this study.
EXPERT OPINION
In Spain, there is a need to further build confidence in biosimilars, develop a strong national biosimilars policy and address regional variability, improve public procurement and adapt clinical practice guidelines following the commercialization of biosimilars. By implementing a holistic and evidence-based policy, Spain can fully exploit the benefits of biosimilar medicines and ensure better and equitable access across the healthcare system.
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