Key Summary
- 18 products to lose patents in the second half of this year
- NHS was spending £920m a year on these products, and £300m on Aflibercept alone
- NHS will be able to save £1.85 billion on these products over five years
Medicines UK has stated that the patent expiry of Aflibercept in November will be the most significant of the 18 loss-of-exclusivity events to occur in the second half of 2025.
The medicine, currently sold under the brand name Eylea, is used to treat wet macular degeneration and costs the NHS around £300 million a year.
Using Aharav Consultants’ HORIZON data, the trade body for generic and biosimilar medicines claimed that the NHS will be able to save £1.85 billion on these 18 products over five years.
These products cover oncology, ophthalmology, cardiovascular, osteoporosis, arthritis, allergies and sexual health.
Before the loss of patent protection, the NHS had to spend £920m a year on these products.
Medicines UK’s analysis shows that off-patent savings from these 18 products will be £76m in 2025, and rise to £448million covering projected savings this year and in 2026.
Mark Samuels, chief executive of Medicines UK, said, “The principal benefits of a well-functioning off-patent medicines market are NHS savings and improved patient access to medicines. When a patent product expires, generic or biosimilar competitors enter the market, providing alternative avenues of supply."
He said that biosimilars are going to be a significant factor for NHS budgets in the next five years.
"We are pleased to see not only the Government and NHS England but other agencies such as NICE and MHRA working together to increase uptake of off-patent medicines,” he added.
