Beyond cost: a value-based framework for biosimilar procurement in emerging markets - the Thai experience

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical procurement
• Health economics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biosimilars can improve access to biological therapies in emerging markets like Thailand.
• Procurement decisions for biosimilars require evaluating factors beyond mere cost.
• This study addresses the need for a specialized framework for biosimilar procurement in Thailand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a context-specific, value-based procurement framework for biosimilars in Thailand.
• To utilize Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for optimizing biosimilar selection.
• To enhance access to critical biological therapies through informed procurement.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining literature review and expert consensus workshops.
• Mapping existing biosimilar selection criteria onto a Value-Based Procurement (VBP) framework.
• Developing and refining a Thai-specific MCDA tool through expert input and feasibility studies in hospitals.

Main Results:

• A tailored MCDA tool with seven key criteria was developed: Quality Assessment, Stability Assessment, Comparability Exercise, Indications and Extrapolation, Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management, Real-World Evidence and Switching Studies, and Other Considerations.
• Criteria were weighted according to their importance in the Thai context.
• Feasibility studies led to adjustments in criterion weights and the incorporation of hospital-specific priorities.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive, context-specific MCDA tool for biosimilar procurement in Thailand has been established.
• The framework balances scientific rigor with practical considerations to optimize biosimilar selection.
• This approach offers a model for other emerging markets to improve their biosimilar procurement strategies, enhancing quality and cost-effectiveness.