Consumption of biosimilar drugs in Campania Region for the years 2008-2011

Objective: To describe trends in biosimilar consumption and expenditure in Campania region for the years 2008 through 2011 focusing on erythropoietins. Methods: The IMS Health regional database was used to analyze biosimilar drug consumption patterns for the years 2008-2011. Information for different distribution channels (retail, ‘‘on behalf’’ distribution, direct distribution, hospital) was retrieved. Consumptions are expressed in Counting Units (CU) and trends have been calculated using the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). The present study focused on consumption trends of erythropoietins (ATC B03XA) for the years 2009-2011. Results: In 2011, a total consumption of 125,859 CU was registered in Campania Region (CAGR 2011/2008: 168.4%). In 2011 market penetration rate of biosimilars was 30.8% with regard to expenditure and 35.5% with regard to consumption. Focus on erythropoietin trends showed a strong increase in biosimilar consumption (CAGR 2011/2009: 831.3%) after the introduction of regional measures to promote the prescription of biosimilars. In 2011, biosimilar erythropoietins and reference drugs show similarmarket shares. Conclusions: Our analysis highlights the significant effects of regional measures on market penetration rates of biosimilars.