Deciding between biobetter versus biosimilar development options based on net present value calculations

Abstract

 

Abstract

The growing share of biopharmaceuticals is paralleled by an increasing interest in biogenerics, as blockbuster biologics are approaching their patent expiries. Companies need to make decisions whether to invest in biosimilars or in biobetters with enhanced properties, the latter enabling favorable differentiation vis-à-vis the original product on the one hand and biosimilars on the other hand. Net present value (NPV) modelling was applied to evaluate the financial attractiveness of two categories of biobetters in comparison to biosimilars, and recommendations are made which options should be preferred depending on a company’s business model.