Abstract

Introduction:

In Denmark, the estimated cost of asthma treatment is 70 million euro, and 24 million euros in loss of earnings.   

Omalizumab (Om) is an established treatment for severe allergic asthma (SAA), reducing excacerbations and improving asthma control.

Aim: To evaluate the Incremental cost-effective ratio (ICER) effect of Om for patients with SAA in a Danish university hospital in relation to NICE threshold (20.000 £/ quality adjusted life year).

Method: 34 patients with severe allergic asthma receiving Om were invited and 26 agreed to participate. Patients were questioned about number of hospital admissions; GP visits; days absent from and work efficacy. We conducted a 5Q-5D questionnaire. We evaluated data 1 year before and 1 year after start of Om treatment.

A Markov cohort model was developed to estimate costs and effects of standard therapy plus Om, versus standard therapy was expressed through ICER. Costs, according to public sources, and effects were discounted annually at 3,5% Unit.

Results:

Patients were, on average, 49 years old, 50% were female, average treatment duration before inclusion was 3 years. Patients had less hospital admissions (1,02 vs 0,38); GP visits (8,15- 2,13) and days off work (25,9days – 15,4 days) after 12 months’ treatment with Om.

The ICER value was:

ICER = 14,249.06 EUR/QALY (˜ 12.000 £)

Conclusion

The ICER value of using Om in SAA I a Danish setting is below proposed NICE threshold