Cost per PASI-75 responder of calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate cutaneous foam versus nonbiologic systemic therapies for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in seven European countries

Abstract

Purpose To compare the short-term cost and effectiveness of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) cutaneous foam against nonbiologic systemics in psoriasis patients for whom oral systemic or topical therapy is considered appropriate in seven European countries. Methods Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons of four-week PASI-75 responses of Cal/BD foam were performed versus 12-week responses of methotrexate, acitretin, fumaric acid esters (FAE) and 16-week responses of apremilast. Analyses took a payer perspective and included drug, physician visit and monitoring costs. Results In all countries, Cal/BD foam generated the lowest cost per responder (CPR). Against methotrexate, apremilast and acitretin, Cal/BD foam generated response for less than €190 in Italy, €195 in Portugal, €216 in Greece, £218 in the United Kingdom, €250 in Belgium, €319 in Spain, and €359 in the Netherlands. Relative to treatment with FAE, Cal/BD foam resulted in response for less than €298, €430, €382 and £262 in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, respectively. For Cal/BD foam, apremilast and FAE, total costs were driven by drug costs; for methotrexate and acitretin, by monitoring. Conclusions Driven by its lower costs and high response rates, Cal/BD foam is likely to be a cost-effective option over the short-term in the investigated psoriasis population.