Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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362. To ask the Minister for Health the penetration rate of generic medicines in 2010 and in the most recent year for which figures are available; the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines; the amount which would be saved if the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines matched that of generic medicines; his plans to increase the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9951/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Generic medicines and biosimilar medicines are not comparable categories of medicine and therefore not comparable in terms of policy design or implementation. The differences between simpler chemically synthesised medicines and far more complex medicines produced from cell cultures of living organisms are such that they necessitate a difference in policy approach to these categories of medicine. The HSE and my Department are actively engaged in implementing domestic policies to maximise efficiency in our medicines usage.

In terms of biosimilar medicines for example, the HSE's Acute Hospitals Drugs Management Programme (AHDMP) has a biosimilar strategy in place since 2017. This is making considerable progress using a collaborative to bring about changes in prescribing practice.

In addition, the HSE Medicines Management Programme completed an evaluation process in 2019 for the identification of the best-value biological (BVB) medicines for TNF-α inhibitors under the High-Tech Drug arrangements.

In June 2019, the HSE introduced a system of gain-share to encourage the prescribing of the BVB medicines which has been largely successful in increasing uptake of these medicines.

To the end of April, the HSE has estimated savings of €14.5m in 2020 from biosimilar switching initiatives. Should this trend continue to year end, savings of approximately €30m have been forecast for 2020.

In relation to your specific data requests, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly as they have responsibility for this area.