Perceived benefits and cost savings of liquid formulation of intravenous infliximab: perspectives of seven European countries.

Background: Following the approval of intravenous (IV) infliximab (IFX) in the 1990s, Celltrion developed the first monoclonal antibody biosimilar for IV IFX (Remsima®: Celltrion, South Korea), followed by the first and only subcutaneous IFX, (Remsima® SC). A liquid formulation of IV IFX has been developed that eliminates the need for reconstitution and introduces a 350 mg vial size not previously available with the powder formulation. This study evaluated the operational benefits and cost savings of the liquid formulation of IV IFX compared to the powder formulation, from the perspective of healthcare professionals across seven European countries.

Research design and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 hospital pharmacists and nurses involved in IV IFX preparation from May to June 2025.

Results: Interviewees noted that eliminating reconstitution reduced preparation time by 51% and resource costs by 20% per patient episode compared to the powder formulation, significantly alleviating healthcare professionals' workload.

Conclusions: The liquid formulation of IV IFX streamlines preparation, enhances operational efficiency, and reduces costs compared to the powder formulation. These savings allow resource reallocation to patient care, improving cost-effectiveness of IV IFX therapy. Its adoption is expected to optimize healthcare delivery across European healthcare systems.