The article 'Analysis of the Budgetary Impact of Biosimilar Products in Spain in the Period 2009-2019' evaluates the budgetary impact of biosimilars in Spain from the perspective of the National Health System (SNS) during the period from 2009 to 2019. The drug acquisition costs and adoption data for both original products and biosimilars as real units consumed by the SNS. Two scenarios were compared: one without biosimilars and another with the effective adoption of biosimilars. The study included all molecules exposed to biosimilar competition during this period and multiple sensitivity analyzes were performed.

From the payer's perspective, it is estimated that the savings derived from the adoption of biosimilars would reach €2306 million over the 11 years, corresponding to the cumulative savings of all biosimilars. Three molecules (infliximab, somatropin and epoetin) represent 60% of the total savings. The results suggest that biosimilars have significant potential to reduce pharmaceutical expenditure and that, despite the need for more research, biosimilars are an opportunity for NHS sustainability.

Additionally, it is shown how commercial discounts on hospital purchases have a significant impact on total savings. Without these discounts, the savings would be significantly less. It is highlighted that savings from the use of biosimilars are beginning to represent an important percentage of total pharmaceutical spending in Spain, reaching 3.92% in 2019.

In summary, the study demonstrates that biosimilars have the potential to generate significant savings in pharmaceutical spending and that trade discounts are a key factor in these savings. These results support the continued adoption of biosimilars as a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system in Spain.