Effectiveness and pharmacoeconomic analysis of the treatment of severe asthma with omalizumab in clinical practice.

Objective: To assess socio-sanitary expenditure after the addition of omalizumab to standard treatment in the control of severe asthma and to analyse its effectiveness under standard clinical practice.

Method: Observational retrospective multicentre study conducted in 12  pneumology services in the Valencian Community, Spain. Data from 186  patients were analysed. Results of the year before and after the addition of  omalizumab were compared. Effectiveness was calculated based on a 3-point  increase in the Asthma Control Test and a reduction in the number of  annual exacerbations. Utility was calculated by the number of quality  adjusted life years. The economic assessment included both direct and  indirect costs and results were expressed in terms of incremental cost- effectiveness and incremental cost-utility ratio.

Results: Significant improvements were found in lung function, asthma control, quality of life, and quality adjusted life years between the  year before and after the introduction of omalizumab. Taking into account  direct and indirect costs, the incremental cost-effectiveness for each avoided  exacerbation was € 1,789.28 (95% CI: € 1,019.13-3,038.12) and € 4,569.38 (95% CI: 3,442.86-6,075.05) per 3-point increase in the Asthma Control Test score. The incremental cost-utility ratio per quality adjusted life years gained was € 50,239.98 (95% CI: 37,209.88-68,923.84).

Conclusions: The addition of omalizumab to the treatment regime of patients with severe asthma is effective under standard clinical practice, decreases direct and indirect costs, and provides significant  improvements in the health status of patients.