Dr. Welslau on Financial Savings of Biosimilar Rituximab in DLBCL

Manfred Welslau, MD, Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Onkologie Aschaffenburg, discusses financial savings of using a rituximab (Rituxan) biosimilar for patients with previously untreated CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Germany has about 25% cost savings by using the biosimilar rituximab versus the original drug, says Welslau, in part due to the large population in the country. Welslau believes Europe can save about a half-billion euros by using biosimilars.

The low cost of biosimilar rituximab allows increased access of therapy, which is especially significant for developing countries where many people are waiting for treatment, according to Welslau.