Impact of AEs on resource-related costs in HCV patients

Abstract

Impact of AEs on resource-related costs in HCV patientsShortened treatment duration and fewer adverse events (AEs) reduce resource use-related costs in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections receiving simepravir (SMV) added on to peginterferon + ribavirin, according to the findings of a cost analysis published in PharmacoEconomics.This analysis used data from two phase III trials of SMV + peginterferon + ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with genotype 1 HCV. Predictors of resource use were estimated by logistic regression analysis, and total costs * of treatment in the UK were estimated by multivariate analysis.Resource use-related costs per patient were significantly lower in patients receiving the SMV triple regimen than in patients receiving peginterferon + ribavirin (median £62 vs £124; p<0.05). Predictors of hospitalisation and outpatient visits, and drivers of total costs, included AEs (anaemia and rash; p<0.001), as well as high BMI, severe fibrosis, and a shortened 24-week treatment duration (all p<0.05)."The shortened treatment duration and reduction in rash due to treatment with SMV triple therapy lead to substantial non-drug cost savings . . . This suggests that there are potential patient management and costeffectiveness implications associated with the choice of specific antiviral treatments," concluded the authors.