Cost-effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis affects 5-50% of the population globally, with increasing prevalence linked to environmental factors.
• Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment for allergies, with proven efficacy via subcutaneous and sublingual routes.
• The economic impact of allergic rhinitis and asthma necessitates evaluating cost-effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pharmacoeconomics of AIT compared to standard of care (SOC) for allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• To analyze recent literature (last 24 months) on the cost-effectiveness of AIT.
• To assess the value of AIT in managing allergic respiratory diseases.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of published literature.
• Analysis of studies comparing AIT (subcutaneous immunotherapy [SCIT] and sublingual immunotherapy [SLIT]) with SOC.
• Inclusion of studies measuring quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), medication reduction, symptom scores, and exacerbations.

Main Results:

• A 2022 study found SCIT and SLIT cost-effective for allergic asthma in children, with SCIT being particularly effective.
• AIT was found to be cost-effective for allergic rhinitis in children, with SCIT showing greater cost-effectiveness than SLIT.
• Studies indicate AIT reduces medication use and exacerbations, contributing to its favorable economic profile.

Conclusions:

• Allergen immunotherapy demonstrates cost-effectiveness in managing allergic rhinitis and asthma compared to SOC.
• The cost-effectiveness of AIT may be underestimated, as many studies do not fully account for long-term benefits or preventive effects.
• AIT represents a valuable therapeutic option with significant economic advantages in allergy management.