Cost-Effectiveness of Intravenous Iron Formulations in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, in a Swedish Regional Setting Using Real-World Tender Prices

Abstract

Aims. A widespread complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), which affects quality of life (QoL) and is associated with frequent hospitalizations. The intravenous iron therapies, ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), ferric derisomaltose (FD), and iron sucrose (IS), have previously been shown to replenish haemoglobin (Hb) levels more effectively than oral iron. However, they differ in both costs and efficacy (response to treatment), leading to differences in acquisition by health-care payers. We investigated the cost-effectiveness of FCM versus FD and IS, in terms of additional cost per additional responder, for the treatment of IBD-associated IDA in multiple Swedish regional settings, using current tender prices. Methods and Materials. A microsimulation model estimated the additional cost per patient achieving a response, based on Hb normalization or an increase of ≥2 g/dL in Hb levels. Efficacy estimates were taken from a previously published network meta-analysis. Treatment costs (2021 SEK) included current tender prices in Swedish health-care regions. Resource use depended partly on dosing, which was based on patient characteristics simulated in the model. Results. The analysis showed that FCM was associated with the highest number of responders (81%) compared to FD (74%) and IS (75%), while costing less per responder than its comparators, in included regions. Conclusions. These results suggest that regional health-care budget holders should consider more than drug prices when choosing which IV formulations to acquire and that they should use all available tools when deciding how to fulfil the needs of their patients.