3PC-029 Calculation of annual economic impact of manufacturing avastin® syringes in the age-related macular degeneration treatment in our hospital

Background Following the obtaining of the Temporary Recommendation for Use (RTU) in 2015, Hospital Pharmacy Unit (HPU) manufactured syringes of Avastin ® (bevacizumab) for treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Financial interest is significant, as cost of Avastin ® is definitely lower than current drugs used for the same disease, and whose similar effectiveness has been demonstrated by several bibliographical studies. Purpose The aim of the study is to determine the economic impact of this manufacturing of syringes by the HPU, from September 2016 to September 2017. Material and methods Avastin 2.5 mg/0.1 mL syringes manufacturing requires material resources (isolator, syringes, needles, caps, flask of Avastin ® 100 mg/4 mL) and staff (pharmacy technicians). Cost calculation of annual production made it possible to estimate the benefits obtained using manufacturated syringes by the ophthalmology care unit in our hospital and by other healthcare establishments (HE). A comparison with the estimated cost of using the Lucentis ® (ranibizumab) drug, which has Medicinal Market Authorisation (MMA) in this therapeutic indication, was carried out. Results The HPU produced 39 batches yearly, in 1010 syringes, for a total cost of €15 251. Finally, 17.8% of syringes are used by the hospital and are refunded by social security (€100), and 39.8% of syringes are sold at other HE. Total annual gain is €14,648, while use of Lucentis ® would allow an annual earning of €8451. Despite the losses (42.4%) due to a short expiry date, manufacturing Avastin ® syringes compared with Lucentis ® generates a higher gain, nearly €6,197€. Conclusion With current consumption, this study shows that manufacturing of Avastin ® syringes is financially promising in the treatment of AMD for our HPU, compared to the use of Lucentis ® . Nevertheless, to optimise the profitability of Avastin syringes’ production, it would be interesting to correlate sessions’ productions with requests, thus improving production scheduling to decrease losses and increase earnings. No conflict of interest