Objetive:

1.- To know the response to biosimilar etanercept (E-BS) in naive patients and in patients who change from the reference (E-R), diagnosed with rheumatic diseases. 2.- To evaluate the economic impact of these actions.

Methods:

Retrospective observational study of 110 patients in treatment with etanercept (reference and/or biosimilar). Two groups of patients were analyzed: 62 patients who started with E-BS and 48 patients who change from E-R (switch), and they were compared with control groups. Variables analyzed: age, sex, diagnosis, treatment, units dispensed, treatment modifications, reason for suspension or change, date of suspension and follow-up time. The cost of using the biosimilar was compared with that of the reference one.

Results:

The retention rates observed were: 65% in the naive (p=0.002) and 90% in switch. In naive patients, the main reason for change was partial or insufficient response (90%) and a possible nocebo effect in switch (60%). No adverse reactions were observed. When comparing these groups with control populations, the main difference was the proportion of patients in whom treatment with E-BS was maintained versus ER, in naive patients (65% vs 34%; p=0.003) and in switch (90% vs 27%; p<0.0001). The use of E-BS meant a saving of € 653,668.

Conclusions:

The use of E-BS was not different from the E-R in terms of clinical results and, from the economic point of view, represents a substantial saving that should be considered as a measure that helps the sustainability of the system.

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