According to PMR Forecasts presented in PMR’s latest report, “The Market for Biologics and Biosimilars in Poland in 2019. Market Analysis and Forecasts for 2019–2024,” sales of biologics (reference and biosimilars) will exceed 4.8 billion PLN in 2019. The analysis covers Rx pharmacy sales as well as reimbursements under drug programs and chemotherapy.

Positive Outlook for the Growth of the Biopharmaceutical Market

In 2018, market growth was hampered by the rapid increase in sales of less expensive biosimilars, which led to a decline in the value of several key active ingredients (reference products). It is worth noting that, in terms of value, the biologics market in Poland is dominated by originator (reference) products, mainly due to the significantly higher costs of such therapies. The relatively large number of available drugs, compared to biosimilars, is also significant. Recently, however, there has been an increase in the share of biosimilars, mainly due to the introduction of equivalents to several leading reference products following the expiration of their patent protection—for example, Herceptin, Clexane, Humalog, and Humira. Overall, the share of biosimilars in the total biologics market in Poland increased by 5 percentage points from 2017 to the first half of 2019.

According to PMR Forecasts, as a result of the inclusion of a relatively large number of reference drugs in the reimbursement program, 2019 will end with impressive growth in the biologics market (reference and biosimilar drugs). We estimate that this growth will exceed 20%.

Reimbursement Is Key to Market Growth

According to the companies surveyed by PMR specifically for this report, the factor that would currently have the greatest impact on the growth of their business is obtaining reimbursement for their drug. This is understandable given the prohibitive cost of most biologic drugs. One-fifth of the companies would like to see greater government support for the development of this sector, such as the introduction of public-private partnership projects, measures aimed at retaining intellectual property within the country (a company with Polish capital), and support for early-phase clinical trials (a company with Polish capital).

Other growth factors cited by companies include:

• educating patients and physicians about biologics and biosimilars
• the rise of lifestyle-related diseases
• launch of a national program for the treatment of rare diseases
• a more predictable reimbursement policy.

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Hume’s Institute stands for knowledge. PMR Market Experts stands for experience. When we join forces, you gain a competitive edge. See how we can support your business.

Justyna Zagórska

Senior Market Analyst

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