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May 3, 20260 citations

Exploring market dynamics of biological including biosimilar treatments for retinal diseases in Europe: An interrupted time-series analysis.

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ECElif CarIHIsabelle HuysSSSteven Simoens

Key Points

  • This study assesses how biosimilar ranibizumab and faricimab entry affect pricing and utilization of retinal treatments in Europe.
  • Interrupted time series analysis of quarterly sales data in 11 European countries (Q1 2018-Q2 2024).
  • Cross-country survey of off-label bevacizumab usage and related policies.
  • Ranibizumab utilization decreased in seven countries, with significant declines noted in France, Germany, and Spain.
  • Aflibercept utilization increased across all countries, though later trends indicated declines after faricimab entry.
  • Substantial variation in off-label bevacizumab use exists between countries, highlighting fragmented policies.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of biosimilar ranibizumab and on-patent faricimab market entry on pricing and utilization trends and describe national variation in off-label bevacizumab use in Europe. METHODS: Interrupted time series analysis of quarterly sales data (Q1 2018-Q2 2024) in 11 European countries evaluated ranibizumab utilization and price after biosimilar entry and aflibercept utilization after faricimab entry. A cross-country survey assessed off-label bevacizumab use. RESULTS: Ranibizumab utilization declined in seven of 11 countries (-1.0% to -29.8%) despite biosimilar entry and associated price reductions. Significant negative trend changes in ranibizumab utilization were observed in France (-0.449; p < 0.001), Germany (-3.935; p = 0.021) and Spain (-8.648; p = 0.002), while Hungary (+33.7; p < 0.001) and the UK (+3.4; p = 0.005) showed increases. Negative trend changes in ranibizumab's weighted average price per TD were observed in four countries ranging from € -0.083 (p < 0.001) in Germany to € -1.309 (p < 0.001) in Hungary. Aflibercept utilization increased across all countries during the study period (+23.6% to +243.3%), but subsequent to faricimab entry, downward utilization trends were observed in several countries, indicating a shift in market dynamics potentially due to extended dosing intervals. Survey results revealed substantial heterogeneity in off-label bevacizumab use, reimbursement status, liability attribution and compounding practises, underscoring fragmented policy environments that influence treatment access. CONCLUSION: The study found substantial cross-country variation in anti-VEGF utilization in Europe. Coordinated policy action is needed to support a sustainable biosimilar uptake in this evolving market.

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Cite This Study

Car et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f6e6478071d4f1bdfc6e20https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.70148
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Biosimilars of anti-VEGF agents in retinal diseases: a narrative review of regulatory, clinical, and pharmacoeconomic aspects2026
  2. 2Medicare Trends in Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Use2026
  3. 3comparative effectiveness of ranibizumab and bevacizumab in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2025
  4. 4Biosimilars in Retinal Disorders: Cost Revolution or Clinical Trade-off in the Indian Scenario?2025
  5. 5Repurposing biosimilars, rethinking costs: a framework for sustainable drug pricing for repurposed bevacizumab for intravitreal injections2026