Cost-effectiveness of treatment with etanercept for psoriasis in Sweden

To estimate the cost-effectiveness, from a Swedish societal perspective, of intermittent use of etanercept (Enbrel) with interruptions of use after 24 weeks compared to continuous use of adalimumab (Humira) as well as non-systemic standard of care in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

A Markov decision-tree model was constructed from clinical trials results. Patients starting etanercept, adalimumab, or non-systemic therapy moved through the model's 10-years horizon. Model input parameters included clinical response rates. Outcome measures included direct and indirect costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

The incremental total (direct and indirect) costs per QALY were 1,559,939 kr (165,354) for adalimumab 40 mg every other week, compared with intermittent once-weekly Enbrel 50 mg, and 93,629 kr (9,925) for once-weekly intermittent etanercept 50 mg compared with non-systemic standard of care.

This analysis showed that, with a 470,000 kr (50,000) per QALY willingness-to-pay threshold, once-weekly etanercept 50 mg, used intermittently, is a cost-effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis compared with adalimumab and non-systemic standard of care.