Cost-effectiveness of biologic agents for treatment of autoimmune disorders: Structured review of the literature

Abstract

Objective. Four new biologic treatments have been approved for several autoimmune disorders. Economic evaluations have been used to model their cost-effectiveness. Methods. We conducted a structured literature review in Embase and PubMed to identify all relevant cost-effectiveness models investigating one or more of these 4 drugs in autoimmune disorders. Results. Fifteen full economic evaluations were identified [13 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 2 for Crohn's disease (CD), and 1 for ankylosing spondylitis (AS)]. While several studies found adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab to be cost-effective (using a threshold around $50,000/quality-adjusted life-year) for treatment of severe RA, not all studies concurred, and there was significant variation in the range of cost-effectiveness ratios reported. Neither study in CD found treatment with infliximab to be cost-effective. Only one study was identified in AS: treatment with infliximab was found to be cost-effective. Conclusion. Modeling treatment strategies in chronic relapsing diseases such as RA, CD, and AS presents particular challenges, as reflected in the variation in cost-effectiveness results reported. A reference case for economic evaluations, such as that suggested by the OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) Health Economics Working Group will facilitate comparison and interpretation of results.