Erythropoietin-induced Treatment Costs in Patients Suffering from Renal Anemia – A Comparison between Biosimilar and Originator Drugs

Renal anemia is a serious concern for morbidity and lower quality-of-life of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease resulting in a high economic burden when administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). The aim of this study was to estimate erythropoietin-induced treatment costs in patients suffering from renal anemia undergoing dialysis treated with originator or biosimilar drugs. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of ESA-related pharmacotherapy between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 based on treatment and pharmacy claims data of 16 895 dialysis patients contained in the database o…