In order to push the use of biosimilars, the NHIA set out a principle to price biosimilars under 85% of the lowest payment price of the original products.  The NHIA also expedites the review procedure and increases the reimbursement scope of biosimilars.   Dr Lee Po-Chang, the Director General of the NHIA, said frankly that since patients with severe injuries are exempt from the drug co-payment, some patients are insensitive to the availability of cheaper biosimilars.

The NHIA has been speeding up the listing of biosimilars since 2019, and has set up a price cap for biosimilars at 85% of the lowest price of the original products. Also, the applications of biosimilars can skip the expert meeting review and be directly sent to the Pharmaceutical Benefit and Reimbursement Scheme Joint committee for discussion. This adaption has shorten the review procedure for biosimilars by about 3 months and significantly increased the review efficiency. 

Furthermore, the NHIA conditionally expands the reimbursement scope of biologics and biosimilars.  Taking anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody preparations for example, under the premise of a price reduction, the NHIA agreed to expand the reimbursement scope to cover the treatments of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.  The same mechanism also applies to its biosimilars.  The NHIA hopes that more patients could benefit from this policy. 

Dr Lee Po-Chang stated that the NHIA has to take everything into account when formulating a reimbursement policy, because if the profit margin is too low, drug companies will withdraw from the market.  How to keep a balance is a big challenge for the NHIA.  Some experts and scholars suggest including the use of biosimilars into the scope of quality accreditation.  Dr Lee replied that it requires thorough discussions among experts and representatives from various fields to form a consensus. 

【2022-05-/ United Daily News】