Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation
2008

Cost-Effectiveness of Ranibizumab for Eye Disease

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Susan F. Hurley, Jane P. Matthews, Robyn H. Guymer

Primary Institution: Bainbridge Consultants

Hypothesis

Is ranibizumab cost-effective for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration over a 10-year period?

Conclusion

Ranibizumab was cost-saving from a societal perspective and cost-effective when priced below $1000 per dose.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ranibizumab reduced the probability of blindness from 56% to 34% over 10 years.
  • The cost per QALY gained varied significantly based on the price of ranibizumab.
  • Including caregiver costs made ranibizumab treatment cost-saving under all price assumptions.

Takeaway

This study looked at how much it costs to use a medicine called ranibizumab to help people with a serious eye problem. It found that if the medicine is cheap enough, it saves money and helps people see better.

Methodology

A Markov model was used to simulate disease progression and estimate costs and outcomes over 10 years.

Limitations

The model's assumptions about long-term efficacy and dosing regimens were based on limited trial data.

Participant Demographics

The analysis focused on a hypothetical 67-year-old woman with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1478-7547-6-12

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