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Abstract
The persistence of West Nile virus (WNV) infections throughout the USA since its inception in 1999 and its continuous spread throughout the globe calls for an urgent need of effective treatments and prevention measures. Although the licensing of several WNV vaccines for veterinary use provides a proof of concept, similar efforts on the development of an effective vaccine for humans remain still unsuccessful. Increased understanding of biology and pathogenesis of WNV together with recent technological advancements have raised hope that an effective WNV vaccine may be available in the near future. In addition, rapid progress in the structural and functional characterization of WNV and other flaviviral proteins have provided a solid base for the design and development of several classes of inhibitors as potential WNV therapeutics. Moreover, the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies demonstrate an excellent efficacy against WNV in animal models and represent a promising class of WNV therapeutics. However, there are some challenges as to the design and development of a safe and efficient WNV vaccine or therapeutic. In this chapter, we discuss the current approaches, progress, and challenges toward the development of WNV vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and antiviral drugs.
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Cenderello G, Fanizza C, Marenco S, Nicolini LA, Artioli S, Baldissarro I, Dentone C, De Leo P, Di Biagio A. Cost per care of the first year of direct antiviral agents in the Liguria Region: a multicenter analysis. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2017; 9:281-293. [PMID: 28579812 PMCID: PMC5446971 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s129859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Despite the remarkable efficacy shown in clinical practice, concerns have been raised about the costs associated with direct antiviral agent (DAA) therapy. This article presents the real-life costs for DAA treatment sustained by the Italian National Health Service in the Liguria Region (Northern Italy). Methods A retrospective analysis of the cost per care sustained for DAA treatment, relating to the period from January 1 to December 31, 2015 in five centers in Liguria was performed. All patients undergoing DAA-based treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were enrolled. On-treatment costs included: HCV treatment, laboratory test, outpatient services, attended visits, drugs used for the management of adverse events (erythropoietin, albumin or red blood cell packs) and inpatient service admissions. Results In total, 327 patients were enrolled. No difference in terms of sustained virologic response (SVR) rate among different treatments was reported. The majority (85.0%) of patients did not report any side effects and only 15 (4.6%) required hospital admission. Forty-two patients (12.8%) required high-cost drugs for the management of adverse events. The overall cost sustained was €14,744,433. DAA±ribavirin (RBV) accounted for the wide majority of this cost (98.9%; €14,585,123). Genotype (GT) 1, the most commonly treated GT, was associated with an average cost of €43,445 per patient. Detailed analysis of the costs for GT 1 showed the treatment based on ritonavir boosted paritaprevir/ombitasvir + dasabuvir±RBV with an average cost of €24,978 (RBV+) and €25,448 (RBV−) per patient was the most cost-effective. The average cost per SVR was €48,184. Once again, the ritonavir boosted paritaprevir/ombitasvir + dasabuvir regimen was associated with the lowest cost/SVR (€25,448/SVR [GT 1b] and similar results for other GTs). Conclusion Antiviral regimen is the major contributor to costs in the treatment of HCV infection. Appropriate regimen selection could result in a major cost saving, which can be reinvested to allow more patients to be treated.
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Amadoz A, González-Candelas F. A novel approach to identify candidate prognostic factors for hepatitis C treatment response integrating clinical and viral genetic data. Evol Bioinform Online 2015; 11:15-24. [PMID: 25780333 PMCID: PMC4344356 DOI: 10.4137/ebo.s20853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined therapy of pegylated interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) has been for a long time the standard treatment for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the case of genotype 1, only 38%–48% of patients have a positive response to the combined treatment. In previous studies, viral genetic information has been occasionally included as a predictor. Here, we consider viral genetic variation in addition to 11 clinical and 19 viral populations and evolutionary parameters to identify candidate baseline prognostic factors that could be involved in the treatment outcome. We obtained potential prognostic models for HCV subtypes la and lb in combination as well as separately. We also found that viral genetic information is relevant for the combined treatment assessment of patients, as the potential prognostic model of joint subtypes includes 9 viral-related variables out of 11. Our proposed methodology fully characterizes viral genetic information and finds a combination of positions that modulate inter-patient variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Amadoz
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universidad de Valencia. ; Computational Genomics Department, Centro de Investigatión Príncipe Felipe
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- Unidad Mixta Infectión y Salud Pública FISABIO-Universidad de Valencia, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Valencia, Spain. ; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
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Conversano C, Carmassi C, Carlini M, Casu G, Gremigni P, Dell'Osso L. Interferon α Therapy in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection: Quality of Life and Depression. Hematol Rep 2015; 7:5632. [PMID: 25852845 PMCID: PMC4378202 DOI: 10.4081/hr.2015.5632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Health-related quality of life was examined in 49 patients with hepatitis C virus with no psychiatric history who received interferon (IFN)-α treatment. Quality of life was assessed at baseline, at 3-time points during IFN-α therapy and at 1-6 month follow-up, using SF-36. Hepatitis C virus patients showed poorer physical functioning and better social and mental functioning than a normal population. Significant decreases from baseline SF-36 scores were observed at an early phase of treatment. Six patients developed major depression during IFN-α treatment. At baseline, they had reported more bodily pain than patients who did not develop depression during treatment. Planned contrasts revealed that worsening in some dimensions of quality of life at 2 months was greater in depressed than in non-depressed patients. Results suggest that depressive symptoms should be accurately monitored during IFN-α therapy even in patients with no psychiatric history, especially if they present with bodily pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Conversano
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa ; Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa ; Italy
| | - Marina Carlini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa ; Italy
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna , Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa ; Italy
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Kapeluto JE, Kadatz M, Wormsbecker A, Sidhu K, Yoshida EM. Screening, detecting and enhancing the yield of previously undiagnosed hepatitis B and C in patients with acute medical admissions to hospital: a pilot project undertaken at the Vancouver General Hospital. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 28:315-8. [PMID: 24945186 PMCID: PMC4072230 DOI: 10.1155/2014/190210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) represent an increasing health burden and morbidity in Canada. Viral hepatitis, specifically HCV, has high prevalence among persons born between 1945 and 1965, with 45% to 85% of infected adults asymptomatic and unaware of their infection. Screening has been shown to be cost effective in the detection and treatment of viral hepatitis. OBJECTIVE To quantify incidence and identify undocumented HBV and HCV infection in hospitalized patients at a single centre with secondary analysis of risk factors as part of a quality improvement initiative. METHODS A one-time antibody test was conducted in patients admitted to the acute medicine and gastroenterology services. RESULTS Over a 12-week period, hospital screening for HBV and HCV was performed in 37.3% of 995 admitted patients. There was identification of 15 previously undiagnosed cases of HCV (4%) and 36 undocumented cases of occult (ie, antihepatitis B core antigen seropositive) or active (ie, hepatitis B surface antigen seropositive) HBV (9.7%). Among patients with positive screens, 60% of seropositive HCV patients had no identifiable risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among hospitalized patients in Vancouver was higher than that of the general population. Risk factors for contraction are often not identified. These results can be used as part of an ongoing discussion regarding a 'seek and treat' approach to the detection and treatment of chronic blood-borne viral illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna E Kapeluto
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Matthew Kadatz
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Andrew Wormsbecker
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Kiran Sidhu
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
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Gowen BB, Ennis J, Bailey KW, Vest Z, Scharton D, Sefing EJ, Turner JD. Single-dose intranasal treatment with DEF201 (adenovirus vectored consensus interferon) prevents lethal disease due to Rift Valley fever virus challenge. Viruses 2014; 6:1410-23. [PMID: 24662673 PMCID: PMC3970158 DOI: 10.3390/v6031410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes severe disease in humans and ungulates. The virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes, direct contact with infected tissues or fluids, or aerosol, making it a significant biological threat for which there is no approved vaccine or therapeutic. Herein we describe the evaluation of DEF201, an adenovirus-vectored interferon alpha which addresses the limitations of recombinant interferon alpha protein (cost, short half-life), as a pre- and post-exposure treatment in a lethal hamster RVFV challenge model. DEF201 was delivered intranasally to stimulate mucosal immunity and effectively bypass any pre-existing immunity to the vector. Complete protection against RVFV infection was observed from a single dose of DEF201 administered one or seven days prior to challenge while all control animals succumbed within three days of infection. Efficacy of treatment administered two weeks prior to challenge was limited. Post‑exposure, DEF201 was able to confer significant protection when dosed at 30 min or 6 h, but not at 24 h post-RVFV challenge. Protection was associated with reductions in serum and tissue viral loads. Our findings suggest that DEF201 may be a useful countermeasure against RVFV infection and further demonstrates its broad-spectrum capacity to stimulate single dose protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian B Gowen
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Jane Ennis
- Defyrus Inc., 2 Bloor Street W, Suite 2602, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3E2, Canada.
| | - Kevin W Bailey
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Zachary Vest
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Dionna Scharton
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Eric J Sefing
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Jeffrey D Turner
- Defyrus Inc., 2 Bloor Street W, Suite 2602, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3E2, Canada.
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Hauser G, Awad T, Brok J, Thorlund K, Štimac D, Mabrouk M, Gluud C, Gluud LL. Peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD005441. [PMID: 24585509 PMCID: PMC11053364 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005441.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pegylated interferon (peginterferon) plus ribavirin is the recommended treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C, but systematic assessment of the effect of this treatment compared with interferon plus ribavirin is needed. OBJECTIVES To systematically evaluate the benefits and harms of peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index-Expanded, and LILACS. We also searched conference abstracts, journals, and grey literature. The last searches were conducted in September 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials comparing peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin with or without co-intervention(s) (e.g., other antiviral drugs) for chronic hepatitis C. Quasi-randomised and observational studies retrieved through the searches for randomised clinical trials were also considered for reports of harms. Our primary outcomes were liver-related morbidity, all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation, other adverse events, and quality of life. Our secondary outcome was sustained virological response in serum, that is, undetectable hepatitis C virus RNA in serum by sensitive tests six months after the end of treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently used a standardised data collection form. We meta-analysed data with both fixed-effect and random-effects models. For each outcome, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) (for liver-related morbidity or all-cause mortality) or the risk ratio (RR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) based on intention-to-treat analysis. We used domains of the trials to assess the risk of systematic errors (bias) and trial sequential analyses to assess the risk of random errors (play of chance).For each outcome, we calculated the RR with 95% CI based on intention-to-treat analysis. Effects of interventions on outcomes were assessed according to GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included 27 randomised trials with 5938 participants. All trials had high risk of bias. We considered that the risk of bias did not impact on the quality of evidence for liver-related mortality and adverse event outcomes, but it did for virological response. All trials compared peginterferon alpha-2a or peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin for participants with chronic hepatitis C. Three trials administered co-interventions (amantadine hydrochloride 200 mg daily to both intervention groups), and 24 trials were conducted without co-interventions. The effect observed between the two intervention groups regarding liver-related morbidity plus all-cause mortality (5/907 (0.55%) versus 4/882 (0.45%) was imprecise: OR 1.14 ( 95% CI 0.38 to 3.42; five trials; low quality of evidence), as was the risk of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (332/2692 (12.3%) versus 409/2176 (18.8%); RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.09; 15 trials; low quality of evidence) or regarding adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (332/2692 (12.3%) versus 409/2176 (18.8%); RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.12; 17 trials; low quality of evidence). However, peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin significantly increased the risk of neutropenia (332/2202 (15.1%) versus 117/1653 (7.1%); RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.76 to 2.61; 13 trials), thrombocytopenia (65/1113 (5.8%) versus 23/1082 (2.1%); RR 2.63, 95% CI 1.68 to 4.11; 10 trials), arthralgia (517/1740 (29.7%) versus 282/1194 (23.6%); RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.35; four trials), injection site reaction (627/1168 (53.7%) versus 186/649 (28.7%); RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.50 to 1.93; four trials), and nausea (606/1784 (34.0%) versus 354/1239 (28.6%); RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.26; four trials). The most frequent adverse event was fatigue, which occurred in 57% of participants (2024/3608). No significant difference was noted between peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin in terms of fatigue (1177/2062 (57.1%) versus 847/1546 (54.8%); RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.07; 12 trials). No significant differences were reported between the two treatment groups regarding anaemia, headache, rigours, myalgia, pyrexia, weight loss, asthenia, depression, insomnia, irritability, alopecia, pruritus, skin rash, thyroid malfunction, decreased appetite, or diarrhoea. We were unable to identify any data on quality of life. Peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin seemed to significantly increase the number of participants achieving sustained virological response (1673/3300 participants (50.7%) versus 1081/2804 patients (36.7%); RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.56; I2 = 64%; 27 trials; very low quality of evidence). However, the risk of bias in the 13/27 (48.1%) trials reporting on this outcome was high and was considered only 'lower' in the remainder. Because the conventional meta-analysis did not reach its required information size (n = 14,486 participants), we used trial sequential analysis to control for risks of random errors. Again, in this analysis, the estimated effect was statistically significant in favour of peginterferon. Subgroup analyses according to risk of bias, viral genotype, baseline viral load, past treatment history, and type of intervention yielded similarly significant results favouring peginterferon over interferon on the outcome of sustained virological response. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Peginterferon plus ribavirin versus interferon plus ribavirin seems to significantly increase the proportion of patients with sustained virological response, as well as the risk of certain adverse events. However, we have insufficient evidence to recommend or reject peginterferon plus ribavirin for liver-related morbidity plus all-cause mortality compared with interferon plus ribavirin. The clinical consequences of achieved sustained virological response are unknown, as sustained virological response is still an unvalidated surrogate outcome. We found no evidence of the potential benefits on quality of life in patients with achieved sustained virological response. Further high-quality research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of patient-relevant outcomes and is likely to change our estimates.There is very low quality evidence that peginterferon plus ribavirin increases the proportion of patients with sustained virological response in comparison with interferon plus ribavirin. There is evidence that it also increases the risk of certain adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Hauser
- Clinical Hospital Centre RijekaDepartment of GastroenterologyKresimirova 42RijekaCroatia51 000
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalThe Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupDepartment 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Tahany Awad
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalThe Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupDepartment 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jesper Brok
- RigshospitaletPaediatric Department 4072Blemdagsvej 9CopenhagenDenmark2100 Ø
| | - Kristian Thorlund
- McMaster UniversityDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Davor Štimac
- Clinical Hospital Centre RijekaDepartment of GastroenterologyKresimirova 42RijekaCroatia51 000
| | - Mahasen Mabrouk
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo UniversityEndemic Medicine and Liver DepartmentCairoEgypt
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalThe Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupDepartment 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastro Unit, Medical DivisionKettegaards AlleHvidovreDenmark2650
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Shepherd J, Jones J. A systematic review of the cost–effectiveness of peginterferon alfa-2b in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2014; 7:577-95. [DOI: 10.1586/14737167.7.6.577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Zalesak M, Francis K, Gedeon A, Gillis J, Hvidsten K, Kidder P, Li H, Martyn D, Orne L, Smith A, Kwong A. Current and future disease progression of the chronic HCV population in the United States. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63959. [PMID: 23704962 PMCID: PMC3660594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to advanced liver disease (AdvLD), including cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The aim of this study was to determine recent historical rates of HCV patient progression to AdvLD and to project AdvLD prevalence through 2015. We first determined total 2008 US chronic HCV prevalence from the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Surveys. Next, we examined disease progression and associated non-pharmacological costs of diagnosed chronic HCV-infected patients between 2007-2009 in the IMS LifeLink and CMS Medicare claims databases. A projection model was developed to estimate AdvLD population growth through 2015 in patients diagnosed and undiagnosed as of 2008, using the 2007-2009 progression rates to generate a "worst case" projection of the HCV-related AdvLD population (i.e., scenario where HCV treatment is the same in the forecasted period as it was before 2009). We found that the total diagnosed chronic HCV population grew from 983,000 to 1.19 million in 2007-2009, with patients born from 1945-1964 accounting for 75.0% of all patients, 83.7% of AdvLD patients, and 79.2% of costs in 2009, indicating that HCV is primarily a disease of the "baby boomer" population. Non-pharmacological costs grew from $7.22 billion to $8.63 billion, with the majority of growth derived from the 60,000 new patients that developed AdvLD in 2007-2009, 91.5% of whom were born between 1945 and 1964. The projection model estimated the total AdvLD population would grow from 195,000 in 2008 to 601,000 in 2015, with 73.5% of new AdvLD cases from patients undiagnosed as of 2008. AdvLD prevalence in patients diagnosed as of 2008 was projected to grow 6.5% annually to 303,000 patients in 2015. These findings suggest that strategies to diagnose and treat HCV-infected patients are urgently needed to increase the likelihood that progression is interrupted, particularly for patients born from 1945-1964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zalesak
- Trinity Partners, LLC, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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Hahné SJM, Veldhuijzen IK, Wiessing L, Lim TA, Salminen M, Laar MVD. Infection with hepatitis B and C virus in Europe: a systematic review of prevalence and cost-effectiveness of screening. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:181. [PMID: 23597411 PMCID: PMC3716892 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is improving but not benefiting individuals unaware to be infected. To inform screening policies we assessed (1) the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV-Ab) prevalence for 34 European countries; and (2) the cost-effectiveness of screening for chronic HBV and HCV infection. METHODS We searched peer-reviewed literature for data on HBsAg and anti-HCV-Ab prevalence and cost-effectiveness of screening of the general population and five subgroups, and used data for people who inject drugs (PWID) and blood donors from two European organizations. Of 1759 and 468 papers found in the prevalence and cost-effectiveness searches respectively, we included 124 and 29 papers after assessing their quality. We used decision rules to calculate weighted prevalence estimates by country. RESULTS The HBsAg and anti-HCV-Ab prevalence in the general population ranged from 0.1%-5.6% and 0.4%-5.2% respectively, by country. For PWID, men who have sex with men and migrants, the prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV-Ab was higher than the prevalence in the general population in all but 3 countries. There is evidence that HCV screening of PWID and HBsAg screening of pregnant women and migrants is cost-effective. CONCLUSION The prevalence of chronic HBV and HCV infection varies widely between European countries. Anti-HCV-Ab screening of PWID and HBsAg screening of pregnant women and migrants have European public health priority. Cost-effectiveness analyses may need to take effect of antiviral treatment on preventing HBV and HCV transmission into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J M Hahné
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, Bilthoven, 3720 BA, The Netherlands.
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Shortened peginterferon and ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2012; 28:398-406. [PMID: 22995040 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462312000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin combination therapy is an effective treatment for many patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Reducing the length of treatment may be advantageous. We performed a systematic review and economic evaluation to assess shorter treatment duration of this regimen. METHODS We searched fourteen bibliographic databases (including The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase) from 2000 to October 2009 and consulted experts and drug manufacturers. Eligible articles were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) selected according to predefined criteria. We undertook an economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of shortened treatment versus standard treatment in the UK. RESULTS Six trials were included. In the sub-group of patients who had low viral load (LVL) and a rapid virological response (RVR), there were no statistically significant differences in sustained virological response (SVR) rates between patients who received standard treatment (range, 83 percent to 100 percent) and those who received shortened courses (range 84 percent to 96 percent) (24 weeks for genotype 1, 16 weeks for genotype 2/3). Shortened treatment resulted in cost savings, but in some scenarios also resulted in poorer outcome, compared with standard treatment. This requires a judgment to be made on the value of the quality-adjusted life-year loss resulting from adopting a shorter treatment regimen, if shorter treatment is associated with a lower SVR than standard treatment duration. CONCLUSIONS For chronic HCV patients who have LVL and achieve an RVR, shortened peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy could be considered as a viable treatment option.
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Rein DB, Smith BD, Wittenborn JS, Lesesne SB, Wagner LD, Roblin DW, Patel N, Ward JW, Weinbaum CM. The cost-effectiveness of birth-cohort screening for hepatitis C antibody in U.S. primary care settings. Ann Intern Med 2012; 156:263-70. [PMID: 22056542 PMCID: PMC5484577 DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-156-4-201202210-00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is most prevalent among adults born from 1945 through 1965, and approximately 50% to 75% of infected adults are unaware of their infection. OBJECTIVE To estimate the cost-effectiveness of birth-cohort screening. DESIGN Cost-effectiveness simulation. DATA SOURCES National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, U.S. Census, Medicare reimbursement schedule, and published sources. TARGET POPULATION Adults born from 1945 through 1965 with 1 or more visits to a primary care provider annually. TIME HORIZON Lifetime. PERSPECTIVE Societal, health care. INTERVENTION One-time antibody test of 1945-1965 birth cohort. OUTCOME MEASURES Numbers of cases that were identified and treated and that achieved a sustained viral response; liver disease and death from HCV; medical and productivity costs; quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs); incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS OF BASE-CASE ANALYSIS Compared with the status quo, birth-cohort screening identified 808,580 additional cases of chronic HCV infection at a screening cost of $2874 per case identified. Assuming that birth-cohort screening was followed by pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN+R) for treated patients, screening increased QALYs by 348,800 and costs by $5.5 billion, for an ICER of $15,700 per QALY gained. Assuming that birth-cohort screening was followed by direct-acting antiviral plus PEG-IFN+R treatment for treated patients, screening increased QALYs by 532,200 and costs by $19.0 billion, for an ICER of $35,700 per QALY saved. RESULTS OF SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS The ICER of birth-cohort screening was most sensitive to sustained viral response of antiviral therapy, the cost of therapy, the discount rate, and the QALY losses assigned to disease states. LIMITATION Empirical data on screening and direct-acting antiviral treatment in real-world clinical settings are scarce. CONCLUSION Birth-cohort screening for HCV in primary care settings was cost-effective. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Rein
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Jafferbhoy H, Miller MH, Dunbar JK, Tait J, McLeod S, Dillon JF. Intravenous drug use: not a barrier to achieving a sustained virological response in HCV infection. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:112-9. [PMID: 22239500 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01446.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is commonly transmitted by intravenous drug use (IDU) but drug users are under represented in many treatment cohorts, this is because of the assumption of lowered treatment success. We assessed HCV treatment outcomes in active intravenous drug users and patients on opiate substitution therapy. The Tayside HCV treatment database was retrospectively analysed for consecutively treated patients based on risk factor for acquisition of HCV. Primary end point was sustained virological response (SVR). Two hundred and ninety-one consecutively treated patients were assessed. The overall SVR rate was 55.3%. The SVR rates by risk factor were; Non-IDU 61.4%, Ex-IDU 54.8% and Active IDU 47.1% (P = n/s). In the groups G1 patients SVR was; Non-IDU 52.7%, Ex-IDU 30.7% and active IDU 35.4% (P = n/s). In the non-G1 patients: non-IDU 65.1%, Ex-IDU 76.7% and active IDU 53.5%. Ex-IDU had a significantly better SVR than active IDU, other differences were not significant. Our results demonstrate that SVR rates in the active drug users and those on opiate substitution therapy can be achieved which are comparable with non-IDU infected individuals. Intravenous drug use in those engaged with treatment services should not be seen as a barrier to treatment of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jafferbhoy
- Gut Group, Biomedical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
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Jafferbhoy H, Gashau W, Dillon J. Cost effectiveness and quality of life considerations in the treatment of hepatitis C infection. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2010; 2:87-96. [PMID: 21935317 PMCID: PMC3169967 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s7283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C1 is a common cause of liver disease worldwide. It is a slow and progressive condition which can lead to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C virus1 impairs quality of life (QOL) even in the absence of chronic liver disease, but its relative silent nature can lead to a delay in diagnosis. The current standard of care of treatment is pegylated interferon and ribavarin. This achieves a sustained virological response (SVR), which is a cure of infection, in up to 80% of patients depending on viral genotype. The attainment of SVR improves survival, avoids long-term complications, and improves QOL. But treatment is not only expensive; there are issues of tolerability and adverse effects. This has led to a multitude of cost effective analysis and health technology assessment on HCV treatment. This overview discusses the natural history of the virus infection and its effect on the patients’ QOL. It focuses on the treatment options available, their efficacy, and cost effectiveness. It reviews the evaluations that suggest combination therapy is cost effective and explores the assumptions and limitations of these studies in real world treatment arenas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jafferbhoy
- Gut Group, Biomedical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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15
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Sroczynski G, Esteban E, Conrads-Frank A, Schwarzer R, Mühlberger N, Wright D, Zeuzem S, Siebert U. Long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antiviral treatment in hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2010; 17:34-50. [PMID: 19656290 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01147.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We systematically reviewed the evidence for long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We performed a systematic literature search on the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of AVT in hepatitis C (1990-March 2007), and included health technology assessment (HTA) reports, systematic reviews, long-term clinical trials, economic studies conducted alongside clinical trials and decision-analytic modelling studies. All costs were converted to 2005euro. Antiviral therapy with peginterferon plus ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C was the most effective (3.6-4.7 life years gained [LYG]) treatment and was reasonably cost-effective (cost-saving to 84 700euro/quality adjusted life years [QALY]) when compared to interferon plus ribavirin. Some results also suggest cost-effectiveness (below 8400euro/(QALY) of re-treatment in nonresponders/relapsers. Results for patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels or with special co-morbidities (e.g. HIV) or risk profiles were rare. We conclude that antiviral therapy may prolong life, improve long-term health-related quality-of-life and be reasonably cost-effective in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C as well as in former relapsers/nonresponders. Further research is needed in patients with specific co-morbidities or risk profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sroczynski
- Institute for Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Information Systems and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, A-6060 Hall i.T., Austria
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16
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Cheng MM, Alfonso R, Best JH, Garrison LP, Bruhn D, Veenstra DL. The economic value of reducing medication dosing frequency with drug delivery technologies: an evidence assessment. J Med Econ 2010; 13:193-202. [PMID: 20334490 DOI: 10.3111/13696991003757500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To critically evaluate published cost-effectiveness studies of novel drug products requiring less-frequent medication dosing compared to conventional formulations of the same drug substance. METHODS A search was conducted in the Medline and Embase databases for cost-effectiveness studies published before May 2009 that compared two or more drug delivery technologies formulated with the same active drug substance. The Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) grading criteria for cost-effectiveness studies was applied to the selected publications. RESULTS The literature search identified approximately 907 articles of which six cost-effectiveness studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies spanned four chronic conditions, were conducted from various international perspectives and used decision-analytic models to project economic outcomes. The base-case results of all six studies indicated that the drug product with sustained therapeutic efficacy was either more effective and less costly ('dominant') or more cost effective than the conventional formulation of the same drug substance. Quality scores ranging from 70 to 84 (scale 0 to 100) were assigned to the studies, with a mean of 78. LIMITATIONS This review likely did not capture all relevant drug delivery technologies and drug products. Only one reviewer critically evaluated the cost-effectiveness studies and independently assigned quality scores using the QHES grading criteria, which may be limited in its ability to identify poorly analyzed studies. CONCLUSION Evaluation of the published literature suggests that drug products with less-frequent medication dosing can be cost effective when compared to conventional formulations, but assessments are challenging because of complex relationships among therapeutic drug levels, dosing frequency, medication adherence, and health outcomes. Additional product-specific, comparative, pragmatic studies in this area are needed.
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Abstract
PEGylation is a pharmaceutical technology that involves the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a drug to improve its pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and immunological profiles, and thus, enhance its therapeutic effect. Currently, PEGylation is used to modify proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, antibody fragments, and small organic molecules. Research groups are striving to improve the consistencies of PEGylated drugs and to PEGylate commercialized proteins and small organic molecules. Furthermore, the PEGylations of novel medications, like oligonucleotides and antibody fragments, are being pursued to improve their bioavailabilities. This active research in the PEGylation field and the continued growth of the biopharmaceutical market predicts that PEGylated drugs have a bright future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Seok Kang
- SungKyunKwan University, College of Pharmacy, Drug Targeting Laboratory, Suwon 440-746, Korea
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18
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Sroczynski G, Esteban E, Conrads-Frank A, Schwarzer R, Muhlberger N, Wright D, Zeuzem S, Siebert U. Long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening for Hepatitis C virus infection. Eur J Public Health 2009; 19:245-53. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckp001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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19
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Awad T, Thorlund K, Hauser G, Mabrouk M, Stimac D, Gluud C. Pegylated interferon alpha 2a versus pegylated interferon alpha 2b for chronic hepatitis C. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005642.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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20
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Siebert U, Sroczynski G, Aidelsburger P, Rossol S, Wasem J, Manns MP, McHutchison JG, Wong JB. Clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of tailoring chronic hepatitis C treatment with peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin to HCV genotype and early viral response: a decision analysis based on German guidelines. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2009; 27:341-54. [PMID: 19485429 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200927040-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently developed German guidelines for antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C recommend basing drug dosage, intended treatment duration and early stopping rules on the genotype of the hepatitis C virus and early viral responses to treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of different antiviral treatment strategies including the German guidelines, for chronic hepatitis C. METHODS A validated lifetime Markov model was used to project life expectancy, QALYs and lifetime costs for the following strategies: (i) no antiviral therapy (NoAVT); (ii) interferon-alpha-2b plus ribavirin for 48 weeks (IFN + R); (iii) peginterferon-alpha-2b plus weight-based ribavirin for 48 weeks (PEG + R); (iv) peginterferon-alpha-2b plus ribavirin according to German guidelines with genotype-dependent treatment duration, dosage and 12-week viral response evaluation (GUIDE). Clinical and resource utilization data were derived from a clinical trial, the published literature and a survey of German hepatologists. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated adopting the German societal perspective. Costs (in euro, year 2005 values) and health outcomes were discounted at 3% annually. Uncertainty was assessed using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Compared with NoAVT, PEG + R increased undiscounted life expectancy by 5.0 life-years (5.2 QALYs) and GUIDE increased undiscounted life expectancy by 4.9 years (5.1 QALYs). Compared with PEG + R, GUIDE saved 13% of hepatitis C virus-related lifetime costs per patient. GUIDE dominated IFN + R. Compared with NoAVT, discounted ICERs were euro1500 per QALY for GUIDE and euro3200 per QALY for PEG + R. CONCLUSION Administering GUIDE should allow tailoring treatment efficiently to genotype, bodyweight and early viral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and appears cost effective compared with other well accepted medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Siebert
- Department of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT-University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall i.T., Austria.
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Marsh K. The cost of future problem drug use associated with young people's behaviors and circumstances. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2008; 8:539-47. [PMID: 20528364 DOI: 10.1586/14737167.8.6.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The UK Drug Strategy includes the objective of preventing young people from becoming drug misusers. It is the use of heroin, crack and heavy use of cocaine that accounts for most of the costs associated with drug use. However, research on the efficiency of young people's interventions at reducing such problem drug use is limited by the expense associated with long-term evaluations. An alternative to undertaking expensive long-term research is to model the probable longer-term problem drug use associated with young people's behavior and circumstances. This paper estimates the economic cost of future problem drug use associated with young people's behavior and circumstances, such as their cannabis, cigarette and alcohol use, delinquency and the drug use of their parents and peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Marsh
- The Matrix Knowledge Group, Epworth House, 25 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AA, UK. www.matrixknowledge.com
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Chou R, Carson S, Chan BKS. Pegylated interferons for chronic hepatitis C virus infection: an indirect analysis of randomized trials. J Viral Hepat 2008; 15:551-70. [PMID: 18482285 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.00984.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Dual therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who meet criteria for treatment, but it is unclear whether pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b is more effective or associated with fewer adverse events. Because data from head-to-head trials of pegylated interferon regimens are sparse, we performed adjusted indirect analysis using trials comparing dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b vs dual therapy with non-pegylated interferon. We searched for potentially relevant randomized controlled trials using electronic databases and reference lists. A total of 16 trials met inclusion criteria. Adjusted indirect comparisons found no statistically significant differences between dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a and dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b on the outcomes sustained virologic response [relative risk (RR) = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.56-4.46], withdrawal due to adverse events (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.29-2.55), anaemia (RR = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.32-8.84), depression (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.41-2.90) or flu-like symptoms (RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.53-2.29). Adjusting for potential publication bias and stratifying analyses by indicators of methodological quality, human immunodeficiency virus infection status, hepatitis C virus genotype, dose of ribavirin or dose of pegylated interferon did not change conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to support conclusions that dual therapy with one pegylated interferon is superior to the other. However, because estimates are imprecise, our results also do not rule out a clinically significant difference. Head-to-head trials are needed to verify the results of indirect analyses and provide additional guidance on optimal treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chou
- Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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De Compadri P, Koleva D, Mangia A, Motterlini Stat Sci N, Garattini L. Cost minimisation analysis of 12 or 24 weeks of peginterferon alfa-2b + ribavirin for hepatitis C virus. J Med Econ 2008; 11:151-63. [PMID: 19450116 DOI: 10.3111/13696990801934576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pegylated interferon and ribavirin are at present the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. OBJECTIVE The present economic evaluation compared 12 vs. 24 weeks of peginterferon alfa-2b + ribavirin treatments for HCV genotypes 2 or 3. Shortening the period of antiviral therapy is important in terms of adverse events and costs. METHODS Clinical evidence was based on the results of a multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial (RCCT) conducted in Italy, which found that the shorter course of therapy was as effective as the 24-week course for patients with HCV genotypes 2 or 3 responding to treatment at 4 weeks. A cost minimisation analysis was performed. The analysis took the Italian National Health Service (INHS) point of view, thus only healthcare costs (drugs, medical consultations, diagnostic tests, hospital admissions) were considered. Healthcare activities were estimated by the RCCT principal investigators and were priced by applying the INHS tariffs and prices. RESULTS The total mean cost per patient was estimated at euro9,785 for the standard group and euro7,508 for the variable-duration group. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the baseline results. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the variable-duration regimen can be recommended as an efficient use of resources for patients from the INHS perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Compadri
- CESAV, Centre for Health Economics, 'Mario Negri', Institute for Pharmacological Research, 24020, Ranica, (BG), Italy
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Rajendra A, Wong JB. Economics of chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C. J Hepatol 2007; 47:608-17. [PMID: 17697724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2007] [Revised: 07/14/2007] [Accepted: 07/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although not all patients develop progressive liver disease, chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. To address this need, many new antiviral treatments have become available over the past 10 years. While safety, efficacy, and therapeutic indications have been well established for these agents, the economics of antiviral treatment have become increasingly a focus of discussion for physicians, policymakers, and health payers. In this paper, we will elucidate some economic principles using examples from the treatment of hepatitis B and C. In particular, we will examine the considerations in estimating drug costs, methods for performing economic analyses and lastly summarize published cost-effectiveness analyses for antiviral treatments of chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C. This review should help clinicians understand economic issues regarding new drugs and answer questions about whether the clinical benefit provided by a medication justifies its expense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arathi Rajendra
- Division of Clinical Decision Making, Department of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 750 Washington Street, NEMC 302, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Tarantino G, Gentile A, Capone D, Basile V, Tarantino M, Di Minno MND, Cuocolo A, Conca P. Does protracted antiviral therapy impact on HCV-related liver cirrhosis progression? World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:4903-8. [PMID: 17828823 PMCID: PMC4611770 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i36.4903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the outcomes of patients with compensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis.
METHODS: Twenty-four grade A5 and 11 grade A6 of Child-Pugh classification cirrhotic patients with active virus replication, treated for a mean period of 31.3 ± 5.1 mo with moderate doses of interferon-alpha and ribavirin, were compared to a cohort of 36 patients with similar characteristics, without antiviral treatment. Salivary caffeine concentration, a liver test of microsomal function, was determined at the starting and thrice in course of therapy after a mean period of 11 ± 1.6 mo, meanwhile the resistive index of splenic artery at ultra sound Doppler, an indirect index of portal hypertension, was only measured at the beginning and the end of study.
RESULTS: Eight out of the 24 A5- (33.3%) and 5 out of the 11 A6- (45.45%) treated-cirrhotic patients showed a significant improvement in the total overnight salivary caffeine assessment. A reduction up to 20% of the resistive index of splenic artery was obtained in 3 out of the 8 A5- (37.5%) and in 2 out of the 5 A6- (40%) cirrhotic patients with an improved liver function, which showed a clear tendency to decrease at the end of therapy. The hepatitis C virus clearance was achieved in 3 out of the 24 (12.5%) A5- and 1 out of the 11 (0.091%) A6-patients after a median period of 8.5 mo combined therapy. In the cohort of non-treated cirrhotic patients, not only the considered parameters remained unchanged, but 3 patients (8.3%) had a worsening of the Child-Pugh score (P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION: A prolonged antiviral therapy with moderate dosages of interferon-alpha and ribavirin shows a trend to stable liver function or to ameliorate the residual liver function, the entity of portal hypertension and the compensation status at acceptable costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tarantino
- Department of Clinical and Expermtal Medicine, Federico II University Medical School of Naples,Via S. Pansini, 5, Naples 80131, Italy.
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Casado Gómez MA, Alvarez-Rubio L, Miró Manero S, Mariño Hernández EL, Buti Ferret M. [Budget impact analysis of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a hospital]. FARMACIA HOSPITALARIA 2007; 30:291-9. [PMID: 17166063 DOI: 10.1016/s1130-6343(06)73993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a budget impact analysis (BIA) of the treatment with pegylated interferon (pegIFN), alfa-2a or alfa-2b, plus ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHOD An interactive model has been designed from the inputs obtained from hospital databases. Prices for pegIFN and RIB have been taken from the hospitals considering their respective discounts. Only pharmacological costs (euros 2005 values) for the options have been considered. Both strategies have been considered as therapeutic equivalents. RESULTS The number of patients with CHC evaluated in the model has been of 117, with an average age of 42 years and an average weight of 75 kg. The genotypes of the patients were: G1/4, 85% and; G2/3, 15%. Discontinuation of the treatment at week 12 took place in 26% of the patients. The average duration of treatment has been of 37 weeks. Total cost of the 117 evaluated patients ranged between 942,632-952,109 and 861,646-880,751 euros for the treatment with pegIFN alfa-2a + RIB and pegIFN alfa-2b + RIB, respectively. CONCLUSIONS BIA models can be useful for the inclusion or reassessment of drugs in formularies. In this case, the treatment with pegIFN alfa-2b + RIB (in comparison with pegIFN alfa-2a + RIB) is an efficient strategy although it depends on acquisition prices, and so, it would be rarely useful in other centres. In our hospital it would produce a budgetary saving that would range from 71,358 to 80,986 euros, which would represent a 7.5-8.6% of the total cost of the pharmacological treatment of the CHC.
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Casado Gómez M. Coste-efectividad de interferón pegilado alfa en el tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica por virus C. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2006. [DOI: 10.1157/13097660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Wasem J, Sroczynski G, Aidelsburger P, Buchberger B, Hessel F, Conrads-Frank A, Peters-Blöchinger A, Kurth BM, Wong JB, Rossol S, Siebert U. [Health economics of chronic infectious diseases: the example of hepatitis C]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2006; 49:57-63. [PMID: 16341606 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-005-1190-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Based on the German Hepatitis C Model (GEHMO) we developed a Hepatitis C Policy Model and applied it to the heterogeneous German hepatitis C population within the German health care context. We used Markov cohort simulation to predict absolute clinical and economic outcomes for a 20-year time horizon. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, a lifelong time horizon was used. Four different strategies were compared: (1) no antiviral treatment, (2) interferon monotherapy, (3) combination therapy with interferon plus ribavirin, and (4) combination therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. Based on our model, antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin could prevent about 17,000 cases of cirrhosis, 580 liver transplants, and 7,600 HCV-related deaths and is expected to save about 53,000 life years at total costs of 1.3 billion Euros within the next 20 years. Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin was the most effective treatment with an incremental cost-utility ratio of 23,000 Euros per quality-adjusted life year saved.
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Wong JB. Hepatitis C: cost of illness and considerations for the economic evaluation of antiviral therapies. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2006; 24:661-72. [PMID: 16802842 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200624070-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 170 million individuals worldwide. As it is detected incidentally through the evaluation of liver function tests or at the time of blood donor testing, it is usually clinically silent until the advanced stages of liver disease have occurred, when treatment is less effective and shortages of donor liver organs limit the therapeutic options. Combination therapy with ribavirin and pegylated interferon has resulted in sustained viral negative response rates of 54-61%. Because treatment is expensive and not uniformly effective, and because not all chronically infected patients will develop complications, concerns have arisen regarding the cost effectiveness of combination therapy. This paper reviews the public health and individual implications of HCV infections. Because of the latency of infection, numerous country-specific population analyses suggest that HCV will cause an increasing number of liver-related deaths over the next 10 years, despite the dramatic drop in incidence over the past 10-15 years. These deaths will be related to prevalent HCV infection from transfusion and injection drug use prior to identification of the virus and availability of screening tests in the late 1980s and early 1990s. HCV can reduce life expectancy and impair quality of life, yet not all patients will develop progressive liver disease, and antiviral treatment may have associated adverse effects. Finally, to assess the value of antiviral drugs for HCV infection, this paper reviews studies examining the costs of antiviral drugs and of the disease itself along with response to antiviral therapy and the cost effectiveness of antiviral therapy. Although antiviral therapy appears to be expensive, when also considering the likelihood of sustained viral response to therapy, and the cost savings, quality-of-life improvement and prolongation of life expectancy from the prevention of HCV complications, antiviral treatment for HCV appears to be cost effective when compared with other well accepted medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Wong
- Division of Clinical Decision Making, Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Tupper Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
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