705 Clinical and Economic Impact of a Partially Hydrolyzed Formula in the Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in French Children

Abstract

Background and aims: A pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed to determine costs and consequences of NIDAL EXCEL HA, a specific brand of partially hydrolyzed formula (PHF), in the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD) in “at risk” children when compared to standard cow's milk formula (CMF) in France. A secondary analysis was undertaken in comparison to extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) although this latter is not officially indicated in prevention. Methods: An economic model depicting AD treatment pathways, as well as resource utilization and associated costs, analysed the use of PHF in healthy yet “at risk” French newborns who were not exclusively breastfed. Inputs were gathered from the literature, official formularies and expert opinion for a 12-month time horizon, including six months formula consumption by newborns. The treatment pathways included dietary management approach (formula change), medical treatment approach (corticosteroid use) and a combination thereof. The final outcome was the expected incremental cost per avoided AD case for PHF in comparison to other formulas. Results: For the 2009 birth cohort, 7,120 AD cases would be avoided by selecting PHF over CMF, with formula costs of € 76.5 million and € 67.9 million, respectively, resulting for society in € 1,210 per avoided case by PHF. PHF demonstrated cost savings when compared to EHF (approximately € 50 million) due to similar efficacy in preventing AD and lower cost. Conclusions: PHF appears to be the product best positioned in prevention at a reasonable cost when compared to CMF and with a cost saving when compared to EHF.