On Friday January 9th, AGEM director Nanne de Boer delivered his public inaugural lecture on the occasion of his appointment as Professor of Efficient and Optimal Medication Use for Inflammatory Bowel Disease at VU. Family, friends, colleagues, patient organizations, and patients themselves witnessed this excellent lecture titled: Amazing Drug Discoveries: making the most of what we have.
Smarter Use of Medication Needed for Chronic Bowel Diseases
The rising costs of treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are putting increasing pressure on healthcare. During his inaugural lecture at Amsterdam UMC, Prof. Dr. K.H.N. de Boer stated that not only new medications, but especially the optimal use of existing older drugs, is essential for future‑proof care.
Balancing cost and effectiveness
Worldwide, millions of people use medications for IBD, while their effectiveness often falls short of expectations. The difference in outcomes between various medications is small, but the price differences are enormous. Healthcare providers can make a difference by choosing cheaper biosimilars and existing drugs more often, without compromising the quality of care for patients. “If the difference in outcomes is small, a lower price can actually lead to more efficient care,” De Boer emphasizes.
Sustainable and responsible use of medication
Beyond finances, the environmental impact also plays a major role. Each year, at least 100 million euros worth of unused medication is wasted in the Netherlands. This leads to both financial waste and environmental burden. Ideas such as reissuing unused medication and introducing environmental impact labels are receiving increasing attention: “Patients want to know the impact of their treatment, on their health, but also on the environment.”
International collaboration for future‑proof care
Amsterdam UMC is committed to working with patients, colleagues, and international partners to improve global access to IBD medication. Initiatives such as the Essential Medicines List directly contribute to more equal health opportunities.