Brescia Healthcare: Drug Spending to Exceed €510M in 2025

The cost of medications for residents of Brescia reached over half a billion euros in 2025, a significant increase reflecting demographic shifts and evolving healthcare needs. Total pharmaceutical spending for the region reached just under 510 million euros, up from approximately 470 million euros in 2024 and 435 million euros in 2023, according to data released by ATS Brescia. This figure encompasses reimbursements for medications dispensed by pharmacies and hospitals, net of patient co-pays, and underscores the growing financial burden of pharmaceutical care.

Drivers of Increased Spending

The rise in pharmaceutical expenditure is attributed to several factors, including an aging population, a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, and the introduction of innovative therapies. The data, analyzed by Andrea Angelo Nisic, Director of the Pharmaceutical Service at ATS, and Alessandra Ballardini, Head of the Vigilance and Pharmacology Structure, reveals a breakdown of spending across different categories. Approximately 182.48 million euros were allocated to conventional pharmaceutical spending – medications purchased and distributed by pharmacies and reimbursed by ATS under national collective agreements. An additional 54.11 million euros covered medications procured through regional tenders and distributed by pharmacies on demand. Hospital-distributed medications identified by AIFA (the Italian Medicines Agency) accounted for 63.29 million euros, covering both initial treatment cycles and ongoing therapies.

Although, the largest portion of the budget – 209.38 million euros – was dedicated to medications administered or distributed exclusively in hospital settings. This includes crucial treatments like chemotherapy drugs, orphan drugs for rare diseases, and advanced gene therapies. All spending categories showed growth compared to 2024.

Top Prescribed Medications in Brescia

An analysis led by Giovanni Maifredi, Head of the Epidemiology Structure at ATS Brescia, identified the most frequently prescribed and reimbursed medications. Leading the list are drugs for peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole. In 2025, there were 795,801 prescriptions for these medications, with 430,564 issued to women. Following closely behind, with 732,631 prescriptions, were medications to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, such as statins, alongside antitrombotic and beta-blocker drugs.

Antidepressants ranked fifth, with 519,631 prescriptions, a notable increase from 497,175 in 2024. Maifredi notes that this increase is likely linked to the aging population, as these medications are also commonly prescribed to older adults managing specific health conditions. Women accounted for the majority of antidepressant prescriptions, with 358,868 prescriptions. Medications to reduce blood sugar (excluding insulin) and those used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common condition among men, completed the top ten.

Understanding the Lombardy Healthcare System & Costs

In Lombardy, the standard co-pay (ticket) for medications is 2 euros, reduced to 1 euro for individuals with specific medical exemptions related to chronic illnesses. Individuals with disabilities and those eligible for income-based exemptions for chronic diseases are exempt from co-pays. Further information on the Italian National Health Service (SSN) and enrollment procedures can be found on the ASST Spedali Civili website. ASST Spedali Civili provides details on obtaining a temporary health card upon registration, which is later replaced by the national electronic health card (Tessera Nazionale-Carta Nazionale dei Servizi).

The Broader Context of Pharmaceutical Spending

The increasing cost of pharmaceuticals is a global trend, driven by factors beyond demographic changes. The development and approval of innovative, often highly specialized, therapies contribute significantly to rising expenses. These advancements, while offering potential benefits for patients with previously untreatable conditions, often reach with substantial price tags. The ATS Brescia data reflects this dynamic, with a significant portion of spending allocated to hospital-administered medications, including cancer treatments and therapies for rare diseases.

The ATS Brescia (Agenzia di Tutela della Salute di Brescia) is the local health authority responsible for public health services in the Brescia province. Their website provides information on various health services, including vaccinations, disease screening programs, and access to healthcare facilities. The agency also actively promotes public health campaigns, such as the 2025-2026 influenza vaccination campaign and initiatives focused on cancer prevention, including a screening program for HPV. Recent news from ATS Brescia also highlights preparations for providing medical assistance during the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina.

What’s Next: Monitoring and Evaluation

ATS Brescia will continue to monitor pharmaceutical spending trends and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at optimizing resource allocation. Ongoing surveillance of prescription patterns and disease prevalence will inform future healthcare planning and policy decisions. The agency will also collaborate with regional and national authorities to address the challenges of rising pharmaceutical costs and ensure equitable access to essential medications for all residents of Brescia. Further analysis of the data, including a deeper dive into specific drug classes and patient populations, is planned to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved health outcomes.