Study Highlights Filgrastim Savings Potential With Biosimilars

In 2023, more than $223 billion was spent globally on cancer medications, and this is projected to eclipse $409 billion in 2028.¹

A simulated study from Saudi Arabia examined a single drug to treat neutropenia, filgrastim (Neupogen; Amgen), and substitution with its biosimilar, pegfilgrastim (Udencya; Coherus), to determine the potential savings in a group of 4000 patients over 6 chemotherapy trials.² In the study, savings totaled nearly $3 million, allowing additional supportive care for 9244 patients. When compared to the reference, using the biosimilar saved up to $12 million and allowed supportive care for more than 32,000 patients.²

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With a population 10 times that of Saudi Arabia, the United States could save an exponentially larger figure with the adoption of more biosimilars. With only 1 biosimilar totaling $15 million in savings, pharmacists should look at larger oncology medication classes for further savings. Biosimilars offer a cost-effective method of treatment that simultaneously increases access to treat more patients and biosimilar substitution for other biologics could offer substantial savings on a larger scale.²

However, selection of a biosimilar requires its addition to a formulary through a Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee. With so many products available at a variety of prices, selecting a biosimilar can be difficult; factors like regulatory approval, availability, and substitution capabilities must be considered to select a biosimilar. Introducing policies that promote selection of biosimilars and contingency plans in the event of a supply chain interruption can streamline the selection process. In the event that the originator and biosimilar products are both available at 1 location, proper storage is crucial to prevent inadvertent administration of the incorrect medication.

It takes proper training of the entire pharmacy staff to galvanize trust and meaningful change that will save institutions and patients millions. While adding a biosimilar to the formulary can feel like a daunting task, formulary management teams should take initiative to add appropriate biosimilars to reduce patient expenses and increase institutional savings.

REFERENCES

1. Global Oncology Trends 2024: Outlook to 2028. IQVIA. May 28, 2024. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports-and-publications/reports/global-oncology-trends-2024

2. Khan MA, Abu Esba LC, Yousef CC, et al. Practical challenges and considerations in adopting biosimilars in oncology clinical practice within a large healthcare system. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2024;18(6):323-331. doi:10.1080/17512433.2025.2492063