Cost-effectiveness of abatacept, rituximab, and TNFi treatment after previous failure with TNFi treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: a pragmatic multi-centre randomised trial

Sofie H. M. Manders*, Wietske Kievit, Eddy Adang, Herman L. Brus, Hein J. Bernelot Moens, Andre Hartkamp, Lidy Hendriks, Elisabeth Brouwer, Henk Visser, Harald E. Vonkeman, Jos Hendrikx, Tim L. Jansen, Rene Westhovens, Mart A. F. J. van de Laar, Piet L. C. M. van Riel

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Introduction: For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose treatment with a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) is failing, several biological treatment options are available. Often, another TNFi or a biological with another mode of action is prescribed. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of three biologic treatments with different modes of action in patients with RA whose TNFi therapy is failing.

Methods: We conducted a pragmatic, 1-year randomised trial in a multicentre setting. Patients with active RA despite previous TNFi treatment were randomised to receive abatacept, rituximab or a different TNFi. The primary outcome (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints) and the secondary outcomes (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index and 36-item Short Form Health Survey scores) were analysed using linear mixed models. Cost-effectiveness was analysed on the basis of incremental net monetary benefit, which was based on quality-adjusted life-years (calculated using EQ-5D scores), and all medication expenditures consumed in 1 year. All analyses were also corrected for possible confounders.

Results: Of 144 randomised patients, 5 were excluded and 139 started taking abatacept (43 patients), rituximab (46 patients) or a different TNFi (50 patients). There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to multiple measures of RA outcomes. However, our analysis revealed that rituximab therapy is significantly more cost-effective than both abatacept and TNFi over a willingness-to-pay range of 0 to 80,000 euros.

Conclusions: All three treatment options were similarly effective; however, when costs were factored into the treatment decision, rituximab was the best option available to patients whose first TNFi treatment failed. However, generalization of these costs to other countries should be undertaken carefully.

Original languageEnglish
Article number134
Number of pages12
JournalArthritis Research and Therapy
Volume17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22-May-2015

Keywords

  • NECROSIS-FACTOR INHIBITOR
  • FACTOR-ALPHA INHIBITOR
  • CLINICAL-PRACTICE
  • FACTOR THERAPY
  • ANTI-TNF
  • INFLIXIMAB
  • ETANERCEPT
  • EFFICACY
  • SAFETY
  • METAANALYSIS

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