The cost of treating mucormycosis with isavuconazole compared with standard therapy in the UK. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bagshaw, Emma; Kuessner, Daniel; Posthumus, Jan; Escrig, Cesar; Blackney, Michael; Heimann, Sebastian Marcel; Cornely, Oliver Andreas
• Is Part Of: Future microbiology. Volume 12:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 525
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: cost -- economic -- healthcare -- invasive fungal infection -- isavuconazole -- liposomal amphotericin B -- mucormycosis -- posaconazole; Microbiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0913

Abstract

Aim: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection associated with high mortality. Until recently, the only licensed treatments were amphotericin B (AMB) formulations. Isavuconazole (ISAV) is a new mucormycosis treatment. A UK-based economic model explored treatment costs with ISAV versus liposomal AMB followed by posaconazole.Materials & methods: As a matched case–control analysis showed similar efficacy for ISAV and AMB, a cost-minimization approach was taken. Direct costs – drug acquisition, monitoring and administration, and hospitalization costs – were estimated from the National Health Service perspective.Results: Per-patient costs for ISAV and liposomal AMB + posaconazole were UK£26, 810 and UK£41, 855, respectively, with savings primarily driven by drug acquisition and hospitalization costs.Conclusion: ISAV may reduce costs compared with standard mucormycosis therapy.