Sandoz says Ireland could cut €150m a year by expanding biosimilar use
Sandoz’s UK and Ireland head claims the HSE could save roughly €150 million annually by increasing uptake of existing and new biosimilar medicines.
According to Diane DiGangi Trench, Sandoz’s UK and Ireland chief, the Irish health service could realize up to €149 million in annual savings by expanding the use of cheaper biosimilar drugs. She points out that Ireland currently markets only 11 of the 26 biosimilars approved across Europe, placing the country near the bottom of the EU for biosimilar adoption. The HSE’s best-value biologics programme, which only initiates tenders when at least four competing products exist, adds roughly 240 days to the procurement cycle, slowing uptake.
One example is the psoriasis treatment ustekinumab, which could save almost €30 million a year if its usage reached the HSE’s 80 percent target rather than one outlet 30 percent. Trench predicts a “golden decade” for biosimilars as many branded drugs lose patent protection, and Sandoz aims to develop biosimilars for 100 products by 2040. She also highlighted Sandoz’s strong growth in North America, noting a 47 percent rise in biosimilar sales in the first half of 2026.
Why it matters
Higher biosimilar use could significantly lower Ireland's healthcare spending while expanding patient access to affordable treatments.
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