Pharmacoeconomics in Africa: needs, prospect and challenges

Potential for biosimilars in rheumatology in Africa

Biosimilars are products which are highly similar to a reference biologic product (RBP). In Africa, regulatory frameworks for biosimilar approval are still in development in many countries and few biosimilars for rheumatic diseases are currently available. The use of biosimilar medicines in Africa provides an important opportunity to treat more rheumatology patients with biologic drugs. This editorial aims to shed a light on the potential benefits, challenges and current efforts, regarding the use of biosimilars in Africa in Rheumatology.

Assessing the Application of Pharmacoeconomic Evaluations in Medicines Management by Hospital Pharmacists in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Application of pharmacoeconomic data for decision making in medicines management is still nascent in most developing countries. Yet, escalating medication costs amidst rising budgetary constraints call for widespread application of economic evidence to maximize available healthcare resources. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of randomly-selected hospital pharmacists from secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, conducted between June and August 2019. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for primary data collection. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis at p < 0.05. Knowledge of pharmacoeconomic concepts was found to be still evolving (mean weighted average, MWA 2.07) among respondents while their ages and ranks had significant associations (P < 0.05) with their knowledge and attitudes. They had a fairly positive attitude toward pharmacoeconomic evaluations (MWA 2.997). Practice of pharmacoeconomic evaluations was inadequate (MWA 2.36). Appropriate policy action and targeted training are strongly recommended.