(Current Challenges and Updates in Pharmacy Education and Research)

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Infliximab (Remicade) and its biosimilar (Remsima) in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Not scheduled

20m

كلية الصيدلة

Poster exhibition (in-person) Conference Trak Two

Speakers

Mr Hasan Raid (University of Baghdad College of Pharmacy) Ali Azeez Ali Al-Jumaiili (University of Baghdad College of Pharmacy)

Description

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Infliximab (Remicade) and its biosimilar (Remsima) in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hasan Raid,

Objective was to conduct cost-effective analyses between infliximab reference (Remicade) and its biosimilar (Remsima) in patients diagnosed with RA in Iraqi hospitals.
Method: This retrospective multicenter study recruited RA patients who received at least three doses of infliximab at two hospitals in Baghdad (Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospitals). The study followed up patients at least 12-16 weeks and the data was collected from December 2021 through April 2022. The patient information related to the study such as demographic data, disease activity score and quality of life (QoL) (using EQ-5D-5L Arabic form). The quality of life was measured via patient face-to-face interview while clinical outcomes were measured by reviewing the patient’s medical records. The infliximab prices were obtained from KIMADIA (Ministry of Health) website. Cost effectiveness analysis was conducted using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) which included direct medicine cost, quality adjusted life-years (QALYs), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI).
Results: The study recruited 57 patients with RA who received at least two doses of infliximab (30 patient with Remsima and 27 patients with Remicade). According to the listed prices in 2019, Remicade yielded slightly higher QALYs and lower disease activity (CDAI), but with higher cost. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Remicade was $ 37,241 to gain one QALY per patient and $ 405 to reduce one CDAI for one patient (per 12-16 weeks). After reducing the cost of Remicade in 2021, Remicade was dominant/more cost effective compared to Remsima because it yielded slightly higher QALYs and lower CDAI with lower cost.
Conclusion: In patients with RA, Remicade was more cost effective compared to Remsima according to 2021 price list while according to 2019 price list, the Remicade was more effective, but costlier.