Infliximab reference product versus biosimilar for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The biopharmaceutical infliximab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) used to treat a number of inflammatory autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 2019, infliximab generated costs of around CHF 132 million, rendering it the second most cost-incurring drug reimbursed by the mandatory health insurance in Switzerland.
Some European countries adopted policies recommending the substitution of infliximab reference products with biosimilars like initiating treatment with infliximab biosimilars as well as switching patients from infliximab reference product to biosimilars. In Switzerland, the legal framework does not facilitate implementing similar policies.
The aim of the HTA is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact of initiating treatment with infliximab biosimilars as well as of switching patients from infliximab reference product to biosimilars in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Last modification 17.08.2021

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