Medical sector commits to increased use of biosimilars
Belgium’s pharmaceutical and hospital networks have agreed to consider the use of biosimilars – generic forms of biological drugs – as their use lags far behind other EU countries
20% cheaper
Like other generic pharmaceuticals, biosimilars are therapeutically equivalent to the original but have a lower production cost. In this case, they are about 20% cheaper than the original drug. The medical sector and pharmaceutical industries have committed to using and prescribing more biosimilars in local hospitals, which is “necessary to keep health care affordable,” said De Block, “for both citizens and the government.”
There are currently four biosimilars available in the country, including for the treatment of anaemia and for a shortage of white blood cells. While the average market share of these products in the European Union amounts to 43% and 81% respectively, their share in Belgian hospitals is 0% and 2%. De Block fears that producers of biosimilars will lose interest in the Belgian market if the situation doesn’t change.
Many local doctors and pharmacists have doubts about the efficiency and safety of the products, but this scepticism is unfounded, she said, because biosimilars have to meet the same standards as the original drug.
A working group will monitor the use of three biosimilars. If there is no progress by July, legislative measures could be taken.
