Comparing Drug Handling Efficiencies and Expenses for Short- Acting Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Injection Originators and Biosimilars from the Perspective of Hospital Resource Management in Formulary Decision-Making

Abstract

Background/Aim: With the availability of biosimilars, hospital formulary drug selection among biologics extends beyond clinical and safety considerations when comes to hospital resource management, to factors like human resource allocation and financial sustainability. However, research assessing the time and cost of labor, supplies, and waste disposal of biologics from the standpoint of hospitals remains limited. This study focuses on short-acting granulocyte-colony stimulating factor originators (Granocyte® and Neupogen®) and biosimilar (Nivestim®), comparing them based on mean total handling times per dose and total annual expenses. Materials and Methods: Ten nursesfrom a Taiwanese cancer centerwere recruited; they each prepared three doses of each drug. Results: Findings showedthat the mean total handlingtimes per dose of Granocyte® and Neupogen® were significantly higherthan that of Nivestim®. Handling Nivestim® required the lowest total annual expense. Conclusion: Nivestim® is an advantageous alternative to Granocyte® and Neupogen®, benefiting hospital resource management.