Cost-Utility Analysis of PCSK9 Inhibitors and Quality of Life: A Two-Year Multicenter Non-Randomized Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Health Economics
• Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) management requires effective and economically viable treatments.
• Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic class for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic CVD.
• Real-world cost-utility data are crucial for informing healthcare policy and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a real-world cost-utility analysis of PCSK9 inhibitors versus standard care for CVD management.
• To assess the impact of PCSK9 inhibitors on health-related quality of life (QoL).
• To determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PCSK9 inhibitors in a Spanish healthcare setting.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter prospective study involving 158 patients across 12 Spanish hospitals (May 2020-April 2022).
• Assessment of QoL using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire.
• Calculation of ICER comparing PCSK9 inhibitors plus standard care against standard care alone.

Main Results:

• The 2-year treatment cost for PCSK9 inhibitors was EUR 13,633.39 versus EUR 3638.25 for standard therapy.
• QoL scores were higher with PCSK9 inhibitors (1.6489) compared to standard therapy (1.4548) over two years.
• The ICER was EUR 51,427.72, with significant QoL improvements in mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain, and anxiety (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first real-world cost-utility analysis of PCSK9 inhibitors in CVD management.
• PCSK9 inhibitors demonstrate a favorable economic rationale and significant QoL benefits in clinical practice.
• Results can inform healthcare decision-makers regarding reimbursement policies for PCSK9 inhibitors.