Cost effectiveness of ulcerative colitis treatment in Germany: a comparison of two oral formulations of mesalazine
2011

Cost Effectiveness of Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Germany

Sample size: 519 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Prenzler Anne, Yen Linnette, Mittendorf Thomas, von der Schulenburg J-Matthias

Primary Institution: Leibniz University Hannover, Center for Health Economics, Hannover, Germany

Hypothesis

This study examines the cost effectiveness of two oral formulations of mesalazine in treating ulcerative colitis in Germany.

Conclusion

Patients treated with Mezavant may achieve longer remission and higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at lower costs compared to Asacol.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients receiving Mezavant had 624 Euro lower healthcare costs over five years compared to those receiving Asacol.
  • Patients treated with Mezavant gained 0.011 QALYs or 18 more days in remission compared to Asacol.
  • The probability of cost savings and higher QALYs with Mezavant was estimated at 76%.
  • One-way sensitivity analyses indicated that differences in acquisition costs and treatment efficacy drove the results.

Takeaway

This study found that a medicine called Mezavant is cheaper and helps people with ulcerative colitis stay better for longer than another medicine called Asacol.

Methodology

A Markov cohort model was developed to assess the cost effectiveness of Mezavant compared with Asacol over a 5-year period.

Potential Biases

The model assumed full adherence to treatment, which may not reflect real-world scenarios.

Limitations

The study extrapolated short-term clinical trial data to a five-year horizon, which may introduce uncertainties.

Participant Demographics

Patients with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis in Germany, average age of 43.2 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-11-157

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication