Evaluating the effect of a Russian rituximab biosimilar used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis on healthcare budgets

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the economic impact of therapy with a Russian rituximab (RTM) biosimilar (Acellbia®) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the healthcare budget of the Russian Federation.Material and methods. A review of literature data and economic modeling (budget impact analysis) were carried out.Results. The use of the RTM biosimilar Acellbia® to treat patients with RA is appropriately and economically justified through drug supply within any funding source: a compulsory health insurance (CHI) system (for high-tech medical care or a diagnosis-related group); an essential medicines provision program, and a regional subsidized drug list.Conclusion. The budget burden over the next three years, the budget burden will be reduced from 6% will be reduced from 6% in the CHI system to 13% in the regional subsidized drug list, which will bring additional more than 1.5 billion rubles. A further reduction in the price of a RTM biosimilar as a result of competitive activity and the potential emergence of other biosimilars will lead to a further rise in budget saving.

Keywords

• budget impact analysis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• rituximab
• biosimilar
• biological agents