Originator recombinant human follitropin alfa versus recombinant human follitropin alfa biosimilars in Spain: A cost-effectiveness analysis of assisted reproductive technology related to fresh embryo transfers. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schwarze, Juan-Enrique; Venetis, Christos; Iniesta, Silvia; Falla, Edel; Lukyanov, Vasily; de Agustin Calvo, Elena; D´Hooghe, Thomas; Roeder, Claudia; Matorras, Roberto
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 85(2022)Part B
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: r-hFSH-alfa -- Biosimilars -- In vitro fertilization -- Medically assisted reproduction -- Cost-effectiveness analysis; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Obstetrics; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.01.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-6934

Abstract

Abstract: This study compared the cost per live birth and cost-effectiveness of the originator recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone follitropin alfa (r-hFSH-alfa) and r-hFSH-alfa biosimilars for ovarian stimulation prior to assisted reproductive technology treatment in Spain. A decision tree model was developed, comprising pregnancy and live birth for one treatment cycle with fresh embryo transfer. Clinical inputs were based on a recent meta-analysis by Chua et al. [4]. Cost inputs were extracted from publicly available Spanish sources. The costs per live birth were lower with originator r-hFSH-alfa (€18, 138) versus r-hFSH-alfa biosimilars (€20, 377). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €7208 for originator r-hFSH-alfa versus biosimilars. Drug acquisition costs for originator r-hFSH-alfa represented 10.5% of total costs in the base case analysis, and 6.2% in a treatment cycle resulting in live birth with one fresh embryo transfer. Results from the sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. Highlights: Costs per live birth were lower with originator r-hFSH-alfa versus its biosimilars. The ICER was €7208 for originator r-hFSH-alfa versus its biosimilars. Originator r-hFSH-alfa purchase costs were 10.5% of total costs for any outcome. The proportion was reduced to 6.2% of total costs in cycles with live birth.