Budget impact analysis of sofosbuvir-based regimens for the treatment of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in northern Italy: a multicenter regional simulation
Open Access
- 1 December 2015
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research
- Vol. 8, 15-21
- https://doi.org/10.2147/ceor.s93641
Abstract
Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in populations coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a pan-genotypic drug that should be combined with other agents as an oral treatment for HCV. We performed a 5-year horizon budget impact analysis of SOF-based regimens for the management of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Methods: A multicenter, prospective evaluation was conducted, involving four Italian Infectious Diseases Departments (Galliera, San Martino, Sanremo, and La Spezia). All 1,005 genotype-coinfected patients (30% cirrhotics) under observation were considered (patients in all disease-stages were considered: chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, transplant, hepatocellular carcinoma). Disease stage costs per patient were collected; the expected disease progression in the absence of treatment and sustained virological response (SVR) success rate for SOF-based regimens were calculated based on the literature and expert opinion. Drug prices were based on what the National Health Service paid for them. The comparison of "no treatment" disease progression costs versus the economic impact of SOF-based regimens was investigated. Results: Over the following 5 years, the disease progression scenario resulted in direct costs of approximately €54 million. Assuming an SVR success rate of 90%, average SOF-based regimens cost up to €50,000 per person, resulting in a final cost of more than €56 million, so this option is not economically viable. At the average price of €12,000, SOF-based regimens, expense was €17 million, saving 68%. At this price level, the economic resources invested in treating mild to moderate fibrosis stage patients would be equal to the amount of direct costs of disease management in this stage, resulting in a valid return of investment in the short-term. Conclusion: Given the high rates of SVR, in the Italian Healthcare System, SOF-based regimens, price is a determinant and a predictor of the overall cost for the Hepatitis C patient's management. At the average price per therapy of €12,000 over the next 5 years, SOF-based regimens are becoming highly sustainable.Keywords
This publication has 38 references indexed in Scilit:
- Earlier Sustained Virologic Response End Points for Regulatory Approval and Dose Selection of Hepatitis C TherapiesGastroenterology, 2013
- Benefits From Sustained Virologic Response to Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin in HIV/Hepatitis C Virus–Coinfected Patients With Compensated CirrhosisClinical Infectious Diseases, 2013
- The natural history of liver cirrhosis in HIV–hepatitis C virus-coinfected patientsAIDS, 2011
- Survival of HIV-infected patients with compensated liver cirrhosisAIDS, 2010
- Natural History of Compensated Hepatitis C Virus–Related Cirrhosis in HIV‐Infected PatientsClinical Infectious Diseases, 2009
- Liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal liver enzymes: influence of HIV infectionJournal of Viral Hepatitis, 2009
- HIV coinfection shortens the survival of patients with hepatitis C virus-related decompensated cirrhosisHepatology, 2005
- Influence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on the Course of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Meta‐AnalysisClinical Infectious Diseases, 2001
- Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on Progression to End‐Stage Liver Disease in Individuals with Hemophilia and Hepatitis C Virus InfectionThe Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2001
- Liver fibrosis progression in human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus coinfected patientsHepatology, 1999