Economic impact of generic antiretrovirals in France for HIV patients' care: a simulation between 2019 and 2023

Background In a context where the economic burden of HIV is increasing as HIV patients now have a close to normal lifespan, the availability of generic antiretrovirals commonly prescribed in 2017 and the imminence of patent expiration are expected to provide substantial savings in the coming years. This article aims to assess the economic impact of these generic antiretrovirals in France and specifically over a five-year period. Methods An agent-based model was developed to simulate patient trajectories and treatment use over a five-year period. By comparing the results of costs for trajectories simulated under different predefined scenarios, a budget impact model can be created and sensitivity analyses performed on several parameters of importance. Results The potential economic savings from 2019 to 2023 generated by generic antiretrovirals range from euro309 million when the penetration rate of generics is set at 10% to euro1.5 billion at 70%. These savings range from euro984 million to euro993 million as the delay between patent and generic marketing authorisation varies from 10 to 15 years, and from euro965 million to euro993 million as the Negotiated Price per Unit (NPU) of generics at market-entry varies from 40 to 50% of the NPU for patents. Discussion This economic savings simulation could help decision makers to anticipate resource allocations for further innovation in antiretrovirals therapies as well as prevention, especially by funding the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or HIV screening.

Automated summary

This study assessed the economic impact of generic antiretrovirals in France over a five-year period, finding substantial savings from the use of generics in different scenarios. This could help decision makers anticipate resource allocations and promote innovation in antiretroviral therapies and prevention.