QuintilesIMS: Biosimilar Marketing in England

By: John A. Quelch and Emily C. Boudreau

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Synopsis: QuintilesIMS was a leading healthcare consulting firm best known for its data and information offerings, as well as its market research and management consulting services for life science companies. By 2015, the company was expanding beyond the biopharmaceutical industry, offering analytical services to healthcare systems, like the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK). In June, 2015, QuintilesIMS published a study highlighting inconsistencies in the care of RA patients in England. In particular, the company considered the current use of biologic medications to treat RA in England, as well how the introduction of biosimilar medications might affect costs to the NHS and medication access for patients. Students must use epidemiology, cost, and market share information given in the case to estimate potential cost savings one year after the introduction of biosimilars. The case also explores qualitative questions around the appropriate communication with patients and the role of QuintilesIMS.