Försäljning av biologiska läkemedel i Region Stockholm

Background: The last decades, advances in drug development have resulted in many biological drugs being launched on the market. There is limited knowledge of how they are being used. The aim of this study was compare volumes and expenditure of biologics in between 2017 and 2021 to get an overview of the most used biologicals in Stockholm, Sweden. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional analyses were made om data for region Stockholm on utilization and expenditure of biologics 2017 and 2021. Data were collected using databases on dispensed drugs and hospital sales from Socialstyrelsen and Region Stockholm, respectively. Measurement units used in the study were Defined Daily Doses, amount of sold packages and total expenditure in Swedish crowns. Results: Volumes of biologics have increased over time. Also cost of most biologic drugs increased except for the cancer drug trastuzumab. TNF-a inhibitors were the biologics accoutning for the highest cost. Some of the drugs were sold either by prescription or hospital sales only. Conclusion: Volumes and expenditure of biologics increase in use and belong to the top-drugs by expenditure. Further research and analyses are needed to assess the appropriateness.