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Pharmacogenomic test that predicts response to inhaled corticosteroids in adults with asthma likely to be cost-saving
Ann Chen Wu1, Charlene Gay, Melisa D Rett
1Center for Child Health Care Studies, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 133 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-5301, USA.
Aim:
To identify the clinical and economic circumstances under which a pharmacogenomic test that predicts response to inhaled corticosteroids might be a cost-effective option for individuals with asthma.
Materials & Methods:
We synthesized published data on clinical and economic outcomes to project 10-year costs, quality-adjusted life-years and cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenomic testing for inhaled corticosteroid response. We assumed the pharmacogenomic test cost was $500 with a sensitivity and specificity of 84 and 98%, respectively. These were varied in sensitivity analyses.
Results:
Both strategies, pharmacogenomic testing for inhaled corticosteroid response and no testing conferred 7.1 quality-adjusted life-years. Compared with no testing, pharmacogenomic testing costs less.
Conclusion:
Pharmacogenomic testing for asthma is cost-saving and noninferior in improving health. Original submitted 19 November 2014; Revision submitted 23 February 2015.
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