1
|
Zin CS, Ab Rahman NS, Mohamed Nazar NI, Kurdi A, Godman B. Trends in the Cost of Medicines, Consultation Fees and Clinic Visits in Malaysia's Private Primary Healthcare System: Employer Health Insurance Coverage. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:1683-1697. [PMID: 37350986 PMCID: PMC10284298 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s403589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine trends in the cost of medicines, consultation fees and clinic visits among the employees covered by the employer health insurance in Malaysia's private primary healthcare system in Malaysia. Designs Retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting PMCare claims database from January 2016 to August 2019. Participants A total of 83,556 outpatient clinic visits involving 10,150 IIUM employees of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to private general practitioners (GPs). During the study period, IIUM adopts the incentive structure of capping coverage at Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 45/outpatient visit (USD 10.58) to cover for consultation fees and medicine costs. Main Outcome Measures The monthly percentage change in the number of clinic visits, medicine costs, consultation fees and total costs between January 2016 and August 2019. A simple linear regression using Stata v15.1 was also performed to measure the association between the characteristics of the prescribed medicines and medicine charges. Results The number of clinic visits per patient increased by 17% from January 2016 to August 2019, with consultation fees increasing by 113.9% and total costs by 7.9% per clinic visit per patient. Conversely, the cost of medicines and the number of medicines prescribed per clinic visit per patient decreased by 39.7% and 6.3%, respectively. Conclusion Within the incentive structure of capping the total amount of coverage per clinic visit, medicine costs were reduced by decreasing the number of medicines prescribed, to offset the increased consultation fees. This may create perverse incentives that affect medicine use with negative consequences for the health system and health insurers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che Suraya Zin
- Big Data Research Group, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Norny Syafinaz Ab Rahman
- Big Data Research Group, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Ilyani Mohamed Nazar
- Big Data Research Group, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region Government, Iraq
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Danne T, Heinemann L, Pieber TR. New Insulins, Biosimilars, and Insulin Therapy. Diabetes Technol Ther 2023; 25:S44-S69. [PMID: 36802184 DOI: 10.1089/dia.2023.2504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Danne
- Diabetes-Zentrum für Kinder and Jugendliche, Kinder- und Jugendkrankenhaus "AUF DER BULT", Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thomas R Pieber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hu W, Zhai C, Sun H, Gong X, Cui L, Cai L, Zong Q, Yu G, Wang F, Zou Y. The global burden of disease attributable to metabolic risks in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2023; 196:110260. [PMID: 36682584 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Our study aimed to survey the burden of disease attributed to metabolic risks (MRs) and secondary MR from 1990 to 2019. METHODS Using methodological framework of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we reported the global number, age-standardized rate and population attributable fraction of deaths and disability adjusted life years related to MRs and secondary MR. Furthermore, we analyzed the global burden caused by MRs and secondary MR in detail by gender, age, region, country, disease and Socio-demographic Index level. RESULTS The number (million) of deaths and DALYs caused by MRs was 18.6 and 462.8 in 2019, with an increase of 43.6 % and 75.0 % since 1990. However, the ASR of deaths and DALYs attributed to MRs had a decrease of 23.3 % and 17.0 % since 1990. The burden caused by MRs and secondary MR raised with age, and the burden was the heaviest in low - and middle-income countries, especially in Middle East & North Africa. For diseases, the heaviest burden attributed to MRs was observed in ischemic heart disease, followed by stroke. CONCLUSION The burden of disease attributed to MRs has continued to rise in the past 30 years, particularly for men and low-middle SDI regions. Therefore, the government should take corresponding actions to reduce the impact of MRs on population health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanqin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chunxia Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hongyu Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - XingYu Gong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liangyu Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqun Zong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guanghui Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanfeng Zou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tagoe ET, Nonvignon J, van Der Meer R, Megiddo I, Godman B. Challenges to the delivery of clinical diabetes services in Ghana created by the COVID-19 pandemic. J Health Serv Res Policy 2023; 28:58-65. [PMID: 35786026 PMCID: PMC9253720 DOI: 10.1177/13558196221111708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The barriers to delivering clinical non-communicable disease services in low- and middle-income countries have risen with the onset of COVID-19. Using Ghana as a case study, this article examines the changes COVID-19 has brought to diabetes service delivery and considers policy responses to deal with future such outbreaks. METHODS We conducted 18 interviews between November 2020 and February 2021 with health professionals and administrators from primary, secondary and tertiary facilities within the Ghana Health Service. The analysis was performed using deductive and inductive methods. RESULTS There were six general themes in interviewees' responses: (1) COVID-19 had exacerbated the problems of high medicine and service costs and medicine shortages, (2) the pandemic had exacerbated problems of poor patient record keeping, (3) COVID-19 had reduced the availability of suitably trained health providers, (4) staff had become demoralized by management's unwillingness to make innovative changes to cope with the pandemic, (5) COVID-19 led to a reorganization of diabetes services, and (6) the country's national health insurance scheme lacked flexibility in dealing with the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Access to resources is limited in LMICs. However, our study highlights practical policy responses that can improve health providers' response to COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Twumwaa Tagoe
- Eunice Twumwaa Tagoe, Management Science,
University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow, SL G1 1XQ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
AlRuthia Y, Bahari OH, Alghnam S, Alrumaih AM, Asiri H, Alshammari M, Alhowimel M, Al-Abdulkarim HA. Real-World Impact of Switching From Insulin Glargine (Lantus®) to Basaglar® and Potential Cost Saving in a Large Public Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:852721. [PMID: 35769787 PMCID: PMC9234164 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.852721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of Basaglar®, which is a biosimilar insulin glargine formulation for Lantus® has brought hope that it will result in similar outcomes and lower costs. However, some health practitioners raised some concerns about the therapeutic equivalence of this new biosimilar. Therefore, we aimed to examine the clinical and financial impact of switching from Lantus® to Basaglar®. Methods This was a single–center retrospective chart review study of adult patients (e.g., ≥18 years) with diabetes mellitus (DM) who were treated with insulin glargine (Lantus®) for at least 12 months and then switched to Basaglar® for another 12 months. The potential cost savings for the years 2018 to 2021 and the cost avoidance for 2022 were estimated using different conversion ratios between the two insulin glargine products (Basaglar® and Lantus®) and acquisition prices. Results One–hundred patients with DM who were previously treated with Lantus® and switched to Basaglar® were retrospectively recruited. About two–thirds of the patients (68%) had type 2 DM, and the male and female patients were equally represented. The mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) at baseline was 9, and the mean difference in the A1C levels before and after switching to Basaglar® was not significant (0.18, p-value = 0.503, 95% CI [−0.36–0.72]). Although the difference in the total daily insulin units between Lantus® and Basaglar® was not significant, the difference was leaning toward statistical significance despite the small sample size (−1.88, P-value = 0.25, 95% CI [−5.15–1.38]). Switching from Lantus® to Basaglar® could have led to significant cost savings that would range from approximately 1.77 to 23.7 million United States Dollars (USD) for the years 2018 to 2021 assuming an equal conversion ratio. However, those cost savings might not be realized if the switching to Basaglar® required higher daily insulin units, and the difference in the public tender acquisition price between Lantus® and Basaglar® is less than 15%. Conclusion Basaglar® and potentially other biosimilar insulin glargine products can lead to significant cost savings without compromising the quality of care. However, their acquisition prices should be discounted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazed AlRuthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Yazed AlRuthia ; orcid.org/0000-0002-0029-5924
| | - Ohud H. Bahari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman Alghnam
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M. Alrumaih
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, Medical Services for Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alshammari
- Drug Policy and Economic Center, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hana A. Al-Abdulkarim
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Drug Policy and Economic Center, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rahalkar H, Sheppard A, Salek S. Biosimilar development and review process in the BRICS-TM countries: proposal for a standardized model to improve regulatory performance. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:215-236. [PMID: 35078378 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2034498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study is aimed at proposing a standardized regulatory model for biosimilar development and approval for adoption by BRICS-TM agencies, based on evaluation of regulatory guidelines and potential solutions to challenges. METHODS An established validated questionnaire was used and the recommendations were collated. Propositions deemed critical for improving the regulatory pathway for biosimilar development were synthesized to design a new regulatory model. RESULTS The key areas for improvement in BRICS-TM countries were: effective implementation of a step-wise approach; adoption of science-based regulatory evaluation for clinical efficacy studies and acceptance of analytical comparability studies in lieu of confirmatory clinical trials; a streamlined biosimilar development program for RBP sourcing; regulatory reliance for joint or shared review of the applications; and enhanced transparency and communication between the regulatory agencies and biosimilar developers. Based on these identified critical aspects, a simplified and standard regulatory model was developed to enable standardization of biosimilar guidelines across BRICS-TM countries for a common development program. CONCLUSIONS Effective implementation of the proposed standardized model for biosimilar development and approval processes across the BRICS-TM agencies will eliminate unwarranted studies, reduce the development costs and enhance process efficiency thereby expediting patients' access to new affordable biosimilar medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasumati Rahalkar
- Metina PharmConsulting Pvt Ltd, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Sam Salek
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Institute of Medicines Development, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mardare I, Campbell SM, Meyer JC, Sefah IA, Massele A, Godman B. Enhancing Choices Regarding the Administration of Insulin Among Patients With Diabetes Requiring Insulin Across Countries and Implications for Future Care. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:794363. [PMID: 35095504 PMCID: PMC8795368 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a number of ongoing developments to improve the care of patients with diabetes across countries given its growing burden. Recent developments include new oral medicines to reduce cardiovascular events and death. They also include new modes to improve insulin administration to enhance adherence and subsequent patient management thereby reducing hypoglycaemia and improving long-term outcomes. In the case of insulins, this includes long-acting insulin analogues as well as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion systems, combined with sensor-augmented pump therapy and potentially hybrid closed-loops. The benefits of such systems have been endorsed by endocrine societies and governments in patients with Type 1 diabetes whose HbA1c levels are not currently being optimised. However, there are concerns with the low use of such systems across higher-income countries, exacerbated by their higher costs, despite studies suggesting their cost-effectiveness ratios are within accepted limits. This is inconsistent in higher-income countries when compared with reimbursement and funding decisions for new high-priced medicines for cancer and orphan diseases, with often limited benefits, given the burden of multiple daily insulin injections coupled with the need for constant monitoring. This situation is different among patients and governments in low- and low-middle income countries struggling to fund standard insulins and the routine monitoring of HbA1c levels. The first priority in these countries is to address these priority issues before funding more expensive forms of insulin and associated devices. Greater patient involvement in treatment decisions, transparency in decision making, and evidence-based investment decisions should help to address such concerns in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Mardare
- Public Health and Management Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stephen M. Campbell
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Amos Massele
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Hurbert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Brian Godman
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Almeida PH, Godman B, dos Santos Nunes-Nogueira V, de Lemos LL, de Assis Acúrcio F, Guerra-Junior AA, de Araújo VE, Almeida AM, Alvares-Teodoro J. A Cross-Sectional Study of Quality of Life Among Brazilian Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With Insulin Glargine: Findings and Implications. Clin Diabetes 2022; 40:312-326. [PMID: 35983417 PMCID: PMC9331629 DOI: 10.2337/cd21-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a cross-sectional study involving 401 adults with type 1 diabetes treated with insulin glargine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Health-related quality of life was assessed, and worse scores were found to be associated with a low level of education, self-perceived health reported as poor/very poor, being bedridden and not physically exercised, having seen a doctor more than four times in the past year, and having reported comorbidities and episodes of hypoglycemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo H.R.F. Almeida
- Graduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, U.K
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Lívia L.P. de Lemos
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Francisco de Assis Acúrcio
- Graduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Augusto A. Guerra-Junior
- Graduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vânia E. de Araújo
- Graduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alessandra M. Almeida
- Graduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alvares-Teodoro
- Graduate Program in Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Godman B, Wladysiuk M, McTaggart S, Kurdi A, Allocati E, Jakovljevic M, Kalemeera F, Hoxha I, Nachtnebel A, Sauermann R, Hinteregger M, Marković-Peković V, Tubic B, Petrova G, Tachkov K, Slabý J, Nejezchlebova R, Krulichová IS, Laius O, Selke G, Langner I, Harsanyi A, Inotai A, Jakupi A, Henkuzens S, Garuolienė K, Gulbinovič J, Bonanno PV, Rutkowski J, Ingeberg S, Melien Ø, Mardare I, Fürst J, MacBride-Stewart S, Holmes C, Pontes C, Zara C, Pedrola MT, Hoffmann M, Kourafalos V, Pisana A, Banzi R, Campbell S, Wettermark B. Utilisation Trend of Long-Acting Insulin Analogues including Biosimilars across Europe: Findings and Implications. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9996193. [PMID: 34676266 PMCID: PMC8526244 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9996193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus rates and associated costs continue to rise across Europe enhancing health authority focus on its management. The risk of complications is enhanced by poor glycaemic control, with long-acting insulin analogues developed to reduce hypoglycaemia and improve patient convenience. There are concerns though with their considerably higher costs, but moderated by reductions in complications and associated costs. Biosimilars can help further reduce costs. However, to date, price reductions for biosimilar insulin glargine appear limited. In addition, the originator company has switched promotional efforts to more concentrated patented formulations to reduce the impact of biosimilars. There are also concerns with different devices between the manufacturers. As a result, there is a need to assess current utilisation rates for insulins, especially long-acting insulin analogues and biosimilars, and the rationale for patterns seen, among multiple European countries to provide future direction. Methodology. Health authority databases are examined to assess utilisation and expenditure patterns for insulins, including biosimilar insulin glargine. Explanations for patterns seen were provided by senior-level personnel. RESULTS Typically increasing use of long-acting insulin analogues across Europe including both Western and Central and Eastern European countries reflects perceived patient benefits despite higher prices. However, activities by the originator company to switch patients to more concentrated insulin glargine coupled with lowering prices towards biosimilars have limited biosimilar uptake, with biosimilars not currently launched in a minority of European countries. A number of activities were identified to address this. Enhancing the attractiveness of the biosimilar insulin market is essential to encourage other biosimilar manufacturers to enter the market as more long-acting insulin analogues lose their patents to benefit all key stakeholder groups. CONCLUSIONS There are concerns with the availability and use of insulin glargine biosimilars among European countries despite lower costs. This can be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Magdalene Wladysiuk
- Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- HTA Consulting, Starowiślna Str. 17/3, 31-038 Krakow, Poland
| | - Stuart McTaggart
- Public Health Scotland, Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Eleonora Allocati
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche ‘Mario Negri' IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mihajlo Jakovljevic
- Department of Global Health Economics and Policy, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Institute of Comparative Economic Studies, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Francis Kalemeera
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Iris Hoxha
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Anna Nachtnebel
- Dachverband der Österreichischen Sozialversicherungen, Kundmanngasse 21, AT-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Sauermann
- Dachverband der Österreichischen Sozialversicherungen, Kundmanngasse 21, AT-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Hinteregger
- Dachverband der Österreichischen Sozialversicherungen, Kundmanngasse 21, AT-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vanda Marković-Peković
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social Pharmacy, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Biljana Tubic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Agency for Medicinal Product and Medical Devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmacoeconomics, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Konstantin Tachkov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmacoeconomics, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Juraj Slabý
- State Institute for Drug Control, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Iva Selke Krulichová
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Simkova 870, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ott Laius
- State Agency of Medicines, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Gisbert Selke
- Wissenschaftliches Institut der AOK (WIdO), Rosenthaler Straße 31, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Langner
- Wissenschaftliches Institut der AOK (WIdO), Rosenthaler Straße 31, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - András Harsanyi
- Department of Health Policy and Health Economics, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Inotai
- Syreon Research Institute and Semmelweis University, Center of Health Technology Assessment, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arianit Jakupi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, UBT Higher Education Institute, Pristina, Kosovo
| | | | - Kristina Garuolienė
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jolanta Gulbinovič
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Patricia Vella Bonanno
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Department of Health Services Management, University of Malta, Valletta, Malta
| | - Jakub Rutkowski
- HTA Consulting, Starowiślna Str. 17/3, 31-038 Krakow, Poland
| | - Skule Ingeberg
- Medicines Committee, Oslo University Hospitals, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Melien
- Medicines Committee, Oslo University Hospitals, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ileana Mardare
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Management Department, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jurij Fürst
- Health Insurance Institute, Miklosiceva 24, SI-1507 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Caridad Pontes
- Drug Department, Catalan Health Service, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Corinne Zara
- Drug Department, Catalan Health Service, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Turu Pedrola
- Drug Department, Catalan Health Service, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Vasileios Kourafalos
- National Organization for the Provision of Healthcare Services (EOPYY), Athens, Greece
| | - Alice Pisana
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rita Banzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche ‘Mario Negri' IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephen Campbell
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Bjorn Wettermark
- Department of Pharmacy, Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|