Real-life cost-effectiveness of benralizumab in patients with severe asthma

Abstract

Background Availability of clinically effective and cost-effective treatments for severe asthma would be beneficial to patients and national healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and healthcare expenditure after incorporating benralizumab into the standard treatment of refractory eosinophilic asthma. Methods This was a cross-sectional multicentre study of consecutive patients with refractory eosinophilic asthma who received treatment with benralizumab during at least 12 months. Patient follow-up was performed in specialised severe asthma units. The main effectiveness parameters measured were: the avoidance of one asthma exacerbation, a 3-point increase in the asthma control test (ACT) score, and the difference in utility scores (health-related quality of life) between a 1-year baseline treatment and 1-year benralizumab treatment. The health economic evaluation included direct costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Results After 1 year of treatment with benralizumab, patients with refractory eosinophilic asthma showed an improvement in all the effectiveness parameters analysed: improvement of asthma control and lung function, and decrease in the number of exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (both as corticosteroid courses and maintenance therapy), and inhaled corticosteroid use. The total annual cost per patient for the baseline and benralizumab treatment periods were €11,544 and €14,043, respectively, reflecting an increase in costs due to the price of the biological agent but a decrease in costs for the remaining parameters. The ICER was €602 per avoided exacerbation and €983.86 for every 3-point increase in the ACT score. Conclusions All the pharmacoeconomic parameters analysed show that treatment with benralizumab is a cost-effective option as an add-on therapy in patients with refractory eosinophilic asthma.

Comparison between clinical trials and real-world evidence studies on biologics for severe asthma

“…In this regard, we have seen that some RWE studies are beginning to provide interesting evidence. [99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108] In the context of national and international registries and large databases, RWE studies can go beyond one of their most significant limitations, which is the low number of patients examined. 117,118 Big data obtained from networks and registers will also allow us to define alternative treatment schemes and dosages, but it is currently necessary to refer to those available.…”

“…Menzies-Gow et al 67 : The PONENTE study, conducted to establish an OCS tapering protocol given the great efficacy of benralizumab, was an open-label multicentre trial involving patients with severe steroid-dependent asthma. The primary endpoint was to determine how quickly and safely the OCS Padilla-Galo et al 103 : A Spanish multicentre cross-sectional study in patients with SEA treated with benralizumab for at least 12 months showed that this biologic may also be a cost-effective agent based on the pharmacoeconomic parameters analysed (direct costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio).…”

“…A Spanish multicentre cross-sectional study of patients with SEA treated with benralizumab for at least 12 months revealed that this biologic may also be a cost-effective agent based on the pharmacoeconomic parameters analysed (i.e., direct costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio). 103 In an observational study involving a cohort of 18 patients with SEA treated with benralizumab for 12 months, the investigators documented the weaning of all patients from OCS, resulting in an almost complete disappearance of exacerbations and hospitalisations. 104 The most evident data were associated with respiratory function, with an overall improvement of 26.8% compared with baseline.…”

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“…Лечение генно-инженерными биологическими препаратами позволяет не только улучшить течение БА и предупредить ее обострения, но и существенно снизить эффективные дозы глюкокортикостероидов или даже отменить их [52]. Результаты ряда фармакоэкономических исследований показали и экономическую целесообразность таргетной противоастматической терапии [53,54].…”

Development of Smart Metered-Dose Inhalers for Self Medication Purposes (Drug-Device-Software)

“…The challenge of inhalers with a high level of intelligence seems to be a significant topic inspired by prior efforts. The conventional technologies have drawbacks like a restricted range, propellants, and freon effects that are chilly [10].…”