Cheaper biosimilar medicines to be allowed under new law

Minister for Health aims to have the law changed to enable 'biosimilar medicines' to be used interchangeably with 'biological medicines'.

Minister Stephen Donnelly will seek government approval in the coming weeks to draft a bill to enable the change as a cost saving measure.

Senator Robbie Gallagher welcomed the move in the context of increasing pressure on the health budget.

“State expenditure on pharmaceuticals has doubled in the last ten years from €1.3 billion in 2012 to €2.6 billion in 2022 and now represents one of the largest components of overall health expenditure," said Senator Gallagher.

"The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD plans to allow pharmacies to substitute expensive biological medicines with cheaper biosimilar drugs. The Minister for Health will seek government approval in the coming weeks to draft a bill that will allow biosimilar medicines to be used interchangeably with biological medicines in Ireland.

The Fianna Fáil senator said the aim of the move is to drive better value for money.

"The cost of medicines is enormous and continues to grow. It makes sense to use less costly versions of medicines if these are just as effective,” said Senator Gallagher.