THE CANADIAN MARKET FOR BIOLOGIC RESPONSE MODIFIERS, 2015

OBJECTIVES: The market for biologic drugs used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions has rapidly evolved over the last two decades. This study provides insight into the uptake in utilization, market shares, pricing, annual treatment costs and the broader drug portfolio of manufacturers operating in this space. METHODS: This project was initiated in response to a request from the NPDUIS Advisory Committee in support of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). The drugs considered are Enbrel, Remicade, Kineret, Humira, Rituxan, Orencia, Simponi, Cimzia and Actemra. International comparisons focus on the seven countries the PMPRB considers in reviewing the prices of patented drugs (PMPRB7): France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US, as well as select countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The report focuses on 2015 calendar year and provides a retrospective look at trends since 2010. RESULTS: The study shows that the sales and use of these biologic drugs are higher in Canada than in most comparable international markets. Despite the availability of lower-cost treatments, the majority of Canadian patients continue to use the drugs with the highest treatment costs: Remicade, Humira, and Enbrel. Aligning Canadian drug prices with international levels, especially for Remicade, and using less expensive alternative therapies, such as biosimilars, would result in lower drug costs for Canadians. CONCLUSIONS: This report is designed to inform policy discussions on the price and reimbursement of this drug class at public and private payer level, including the pricing and uptake of emerging biosimilars.