The impact of the profile of biologics on treatment costs

In the perspective of the payer, it is important to know the details concerning the management costs of biological drugs in an effort to optimise expenditures. We have therefore examined how the expenditure varies with regard to the purchase of biologics, the mode of administration, and the management of serious adverse events secondary to the use of various drugs. The average expenditure for the purchase of the drug, including VAT, is € 12,005, while expenditures for the administration and management of serious adverse events are minimal, i.e. € 32 and € 124, respectively. An analysis of how the cost of various items affects the overall cost revealed no significant differences that would steer the choice towards one biologic drug rather than another.

► The purchase price of biologics in Italy is on average 12,000 €/year (incl. VAT).
► The wide range of prices can be the first determinant in the choice of drugs.
► The added costs related to side effects and nursing care do not influence the overall cost.
► Intravenous administration of biologics is on average less expensive than subcutaneous administration.