RPEM: Randomized Monte Carlo parametric expectation maximization algorithm.

Inspired from quantum Monte Carlo, by sampling discrete and continuous variables at the same time using the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, we present a novel, fast, and accurate high performance Monte Carlo Parametric Expectation Maximization (MCPEM) algorithm. We named it Randomized Parametric Expectation Maximization (RPEM). We compared RPEM with NONMEM's Importance Sampling Method (IMP), Monolix's Stochastic Approximation Expectation Maximization (SAEM), and Certara's Quasi-Random Parametric Expectation Maximization (QRPEM) for a realistic two-compartment voriconazole model with ordinary differential equations using simulated data. We show that RPEM is as fast and as accurate as the algorithms IMP, QRPEM, and SAEM for the voriconazole model in reconstructing the population parameters, for the normal and log-normal cases.

Economic and budgetary impact evaluation of isavuconazole (Cresemba®) versus voriconazole (Vfend®) for the treatment of patients with possible invasive aspergillosis from the perspective of the Brazilian supplementary health system.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility and the budgetary impact of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole in patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis (IA) from the perspective of the Brazilian supplementary health system (SHS). METHODS: In this model, a decision tree was developed and included patients with possible IA. Efficacy parameters were extracted from the clinical studies. Drug acquisition, hospitalization costs and adverse events were also collected. Alternative 3- and 10-year time horizon scenarios were used. In addition, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were simulated. A budget impact analysis of isavuconazole versus voriconazole was performed, assuming a time horizon of 5 years. In addition, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the model. Results are reported in Brazilian Real (BRL), year values 2022. RESULTS: The economic analysis of the base case showed that isavuconazole is associated with a saving of 95,174.00 BRL per patient compared to voriconazole. All other simulated scenarios showed that isavuconazole is dominant versus comparators when considering a willingness to pay 40,688.00 BRL/Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY). The results were considered robust by the sensitivity analyses. The budget impact analysis showed that the incorporation of isavuconazole generates savings to the SHS, compared to voriconazole, of approximately 20.5 million BRL in the first year. This reaches about 54 million BRL in the fifth incorporation year, considering the market penetration of 20% in the first year, and 50% in the fifth year. CONCLUSION: Compared with voriconazole, isavuconazole is regarded as a dominant treatment strategy for patients with suspected IA and generates savings for the SHS.

The cost-utility analysis of antifungal prophylaxis for invasive fungal infections in acute myeloid leukaemia patients receiving chemotherapy: a study from a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) contribute to morbidity and mortality during acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treatment. Without prophylaxis, IFI rate during AML treatment in Thailand is high and results in a high mortality rate and a prolonged hospital stay. AIM: To evaluate the cost-utility of antifungal therapy (AFT) prophylaxis during AML treatment. METHODS: We assessed the cost-utility of AFT available in Thailand, including posaconazole (solution), itraconazole (solution and capsule), and voriconazole. A hybrid model consisting of a decision tree and the Markov model was established. RESULTS: The costs to prevent overall IFI using any AFT were all lower than the treatment cost of a non-prophylaxis group, resulting in a saving of 808-1507 USD per patient. Prevention with voriconazole prophylaxis showed the highest quality-adjusted life years (QALYs = 3.51, incremental QALYs = 0.23), followed by posaconazole (QALYs = 3.46, incremental QALY = 0.18) and itraconazole solution (QALYs = 3.45, incremental QALYs = 0.17). Itraconazole capsule reduced QALY in the model. For invasive aspergillosis prevention, posaconazole and voriconazole both resulted in better QALYs and life year savings compared with no prophylaxis. However, posaconazole prophylaxis was the only cost-saving option (976 USD per patient). CONCLUSION: Posaconazole, itraconazole solution and voriconazole were all cost saving compared with no prophylaxis for overall IFI prophylaxis, with voriconazole being the most cost-effective option. Posaconazole and voriconazole were both cost effective for invasive aspergillosis prevention but only posaconazole was cost saving. A change in reimbursement policy for the use of AFT prophylaxis during intensive AML treatment could provide both clinical benefits to patients and substantial economic benefits to healthcare systems.

Population pharmacokinetics and covariate-based dosing individualization of voriconazole in lung transplant recipients.

This study aimed to explore pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and its covariates in lung transplant recipients using population approach in order to propose dosing individualization. Data from routine therapeutic drug monitoring in adult lung transplant recipients treated with oral voriconazole were analysed with a three-stage population pharmacokinetic model using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. Monte Carlo simulations based on final voriconazole pharmacokinetic model were used to generate the theoretical distribution of pharmacokinetic profiles at various dosing regimens. A total of 78 voriconazole serum concentrations collected from 40 patients were included in pharmacokinetic analysis. The only significant covariate was age for voriconazole clearance. Population voriconazole apparent clearance started at 32.26 L/h and decreased by 0.021 L/h with each year of patient's age, while population apparent volume of distribution was 964.46 L. Based on this model, we have proposed an easy-to-use dosing regimen consisting of a loading dose of 400 mg every 12 h for the first 48 h of treatment followed by maintenance dose of 300 mg every 12 h in patients aged up to 59 years, or by maintenance dose of 200 mg every 12 h in patients aged above 59 years.

Targeted DPPC/DMPG surface-modified voriconazole lipid nanoparticles control invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised population: in-vitro and in-vivo assessment.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most devastating Aspergillus-related lung disease. Voriconazole (VRZ) is the first-line treatment against IPA. Despite availability in oral and parenteral dosage forms, risks of systemic toxicity dictate alternative pulmonary administration. Inspired by natural lung surfactants, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPC/DMPG) surface-modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were scrutinized for pulmonary administration. DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs prepared using ultrasonication/thin film hydration were investigated for colloidal properties over 3-month shelf storage. They were stable with a slight change in entrapment efficiency. They provided a sustained VRZ release over 24 h, with a rapid initial release. In vitro aerosolization indicated higher percentages of VRZ deposited on stages corresponding to secondary bronchi and alveolar ducts. Moreover, intrapulmonary administration maintained high lung VRZ concentration (27 ± 1.14 µg/g) after 6 h. A preclinical study using a cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenic rat model demonstrated a 3-fold reduction in BALF-Galactomannan down to 0.515 ± 0.22 µg/L confirming DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs potential in hyphal growth inhibition. Histopathological examination of infected/nontreated lung sections exhibited dense fungal load inside alveoli and blood vessels indicating massive tissue and angio-invasiveness. Nevertheless, DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs-treated animals displayed minimal hyphae with no signs of invasiveness. The developed bioinspired nanoparticles serve as prospective bioactive nanocarrier candidates for pulmonary administration of VRZ in the management of IPA.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Voriconazole and Dose Optimization in Elderly Chinese Patients.

Voriconazole is commonly recommended as a first-line therapy for invasive aspergillosis infections. Elderly patients are susceptible to infectious diseases owing to their decreased physical function and immune system. Our study aims to establish a population pharmacokinetics model for elderly patients receiving intravenous voriconazole, and to optimize dosing protocols through a simulated approach. An accurate fit to the concentration-time profile of voriconazole was achieved by employing a 1-compartment model featuring first-order elimination. The typical clearance rate of voriconazole was found to be 3.22 L/h, with a typical volume of distribution of 194 L. The covariate analysis revealed that albumin (ALB), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and direct bilirubin had significant impacts on voriconazole clearance. Additionally, body weight was found to be associated with the volume of distribution. Individualized dosing regimens were recommended for different ALB levels based on population pharmacokinetics model prediction. The proposed dosing regimens could provide a rationale for dosage individualization, improve the clinical outcomes, and minimize drug-related toxicities.

Necessity for a System Implementing Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Outpatient Settings Based on the Actual Use of Voriconazole Using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study.

Voriconazole (VRCZ) is an antifungal drug that necessitates therapeutic monitoring (TDM). Typically, TDM is recommended for patients undergoing long-term outpatient treatment. However, in Japan, insurance reimbursement for TDM is only permitted for inpatients. There is a concern that VRCZ use is growing among outpatients, although information regarding this issue remains unavailable. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the use of VRCZ by utilizing data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups in Japan. The use of branded and generic oral VRCZ from 2013 to 2019 was calculated using the defined daily doses/1000 inhabitants/d (DID) for each receipt type. Oral VRCZ was used more frequently in the outpatient setting than that in the inpatient setting, with use increasing over time. The use of generic drugs began in 2016 and accounted for 52.5% of the use in 2019 among outpatients. Considering outpatient prescriptions, 76.4-81.0% were dispensed at insurance pharmacies, indicating the need for community pharmacist involvement. Accordingly, the appropriate use of VRCZ in ambulatory care should be promoted in collaboration with community pharmacists, and a reimbursement system should be established to implement TDM in ambulatory care.

Optimization of Voriconazole Dosing Regimens Against Aspergillus Species and Candida Species in Pediatric Patients After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Theoretical Study Based on Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis.

This study aimed to optimize the dosing regimens of voriconazole (VRC) for pediatric patients after hematopoietic cell transplantation with different cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 phenotypes and body weights, based on pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) analysis. The PK parameters of VRC were derived from previous literature. Combined with key factors affecting VRC, patients were categorized into 9 subgroups based on different CYP2C19 phenotypes (poor metabolizer/intermediate metabolizer, normal metabolizer, and rapid metabolizer/ultrarapid metabolizer) and typical body weights (15, 40, and 65 kg). Monte Carlo simulation was used to investigate dosing regimens for different groups. The area under the 24-hour free drug concentration-time curve to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 25 was used as the target value for effective treatment. The probability of target achievement and the cumulative fraction of response were determined on the basis of the assumed MICs and MICs distribution frequency of Aspergillus species and Candida species. When the MIC was ≤1 mg/L, 4 mg/kg every 12 hours was sufficient for optimal effects in groups 1-3 and groups 5 and 6; however, 6 mg/kg every 12 hours was required for group 4, and 8 mg/kg every 12 hours was required for groups 7-9. In empirical treatment, lower (2-6 mg/kg every 12 hours) and higher (6-12 mg/kg every 12 hours) dosing regimens were recommended for Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp., respectively. Our findings will assist in selecting appropriate dosing regimens of VRC for pediatric patients after hematopoietic cell transplantation with different CYP2C19 phenotypes and body weights. Clinically, it is better to continuously adjust the dosing on the basis of the therapeutic drug monitoring.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry azole susceptibility assessment in Candida and Aspergillus species.

BACKGROUND: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) allows rapid pathogen identification and potentially can be used for antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the performance of the MALDI-TOF MS in assessing azole susceptibility, with reduced incubation time, by comparing the results with the reference method Broth Microdilution. METHODS: Resistant and susceptible strains of Candida (n = 15) were evaluated against fluconazole and Aspergillus (n = 15) against itraconazole and voriconazole. Strains were exposed to serial dilutions of the antifungals for 15 h. Microorganisms' protein spectra against all drug concentrations were acquired and used to generate a composite correlation index (CCI) matrix. The comparison of autocorrelations and cross-correlations between spectra facilitated by CCI was used as a similarity parameter between them, enabling the inference of a minimum profile change concentration breakpoint. Results obtained with the different AFST methods were then compared. FINDINGS: The overall agreement between methods was 91.11%. Full agreement (100%) was reached for Aspergillus against voriconazole and Candida against fluconazole, and 73.33% of agreement was obtained for Aspergillus against itraconazole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates MALDI-TOF MS' potential as a reliable and faster alternative for AFST. More studies are necessary for method optimisation and standardisation for clinical routine application.

Optimization of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Using Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics Protocols: A Cost-Benefit Review.

PURPOSE: Antimicrobial stewardship programs are important for reducing antimicrobial resistance because they can readjust antibiotic prescriptions to local guidelines, switch intravenous to oral administration, and reduce hospitalization times. Pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) empirically based prescriptions and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) programs are essential for antimicrobial stewardship, but there is a need to fit protocols according to cost benefits. The cost benefits can be demonstrated by reducing toxicity and hospital stay, decreasing the amount of drug used per day, and preventing relapses in infection. Our aim was to review the data available on whether PK-PD empirically based prescriptions and TDM could improve the cost benefits of an antimicrobial stewardship program to decrease global hospital expenditures. METHODS: A narrative review based on PubMed search with the relevant studies of vancomycin, aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, and voriconazole. RESULTS: TDM protocols demonstrated important cost benefit for patients treated with vancomycin, aminoglycosides, and voriconazole mainly due to reduce toxicities and decreasing the hospital length of stay. In addition, PK-PD strategies that used infusion modifications to meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, and cefepime, such as extended or continuous infusion, demonstrated important cost benefits, mainly due to reducing daily drug needs and lengths of hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: TDM protocols and PK-PD empirically based prescriptions improve the cost-benefits and decrease the global hospital expenditures.

Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of isavuconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole for the treatment of invasive mold diseases in hematological patients: initial therapy prior to pathogen differential diagnosis in China.

Background: Invasive mold diseases (IMD) is associated with high mortality and a substantial economic burden. For high-risk patients, fever drive or diagnostic drive therapy is usually initiated prior to the differential diagnosis of the pathogen. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole, posaconazole, vs. voriconazole in the treatment of IMD from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, informing healthcare decision-making and resource allocation. Methods: A decision analytic model was constructed using TreeAge Pro 2011 software to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the entire disease course. We assumed that the prevalence of mucormycosis in the patients entering the model was 7.8%. Efficacy, cost, adverse events, and other data included in the model were mainly derived from clinical studies, published literature, and publicly available databases. The primary outcomes of the model output were total cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), life years (Lys), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The willing-to-pay (WTP) threshold was defined as one to three times China's GDP per capita in 2022. One-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis were used to determine the robustness of the model. At the same time, the cost-effectiveness of three triazole antifungal agents under a broader range of mucormycosis prevalence, when voriconazole was covered by medical insurance reimbursement, and after the price reduction of posaconazole was discussed. Results: Compared with voriconazole, isavuconazole provided an additional 0.38 Lys (9.29 vs. 8.91 LYs) and 0.31 QALYs (7.62 vs. 7.31 QALYs); ICER was $15,702.46/QALY, well-below the WTP threshold ($38,223/QALY). However, posaconazole did not provide a significant economic advantage over voriconazole (9.40 vs. 9.36 Lys; 7.71 vs. 7.68 QALYs; ICER $64,466.57/QALY). One-way sensitivity analysis found that ICER was highly sensitive to the mortality of patients with invasive aspergillus infection. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, when the WTP threshold was $38,223/QALY, the probability of isavuconazole being cost-effective was 72.9%. The scenario analysis results indicated that posaconazole would become cost-effective when the price was reduced by 15% or the prevalence of mucormycosis was 14%. Conclusions: Isavuconazole represents a cost-effective initial option for treating IMD in high-risk hematological patients prior to the differential diagnosis of pathogens. It will also be economical when a 15% reduction in posaconazole cost is achieved.

Optimization of initial dose regimen of tacrolimus in paediatric lung transplant recipients based on Monte Carlo simulation.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES: The initial tacrolimus dose regimen in paediatric lung transplant recipients is unknown. The present study optimized the initial tacrolimus dose regimen for paediatric lung transplant recipients. METHODS: This study was based on a published population pharmacokinetic model of tacrolimus in lung transplant recipients and used Monte Carlo simulations to recommend an initial dose regimen of tacrolimus in paediatric lung transplant recipients. RESULTS: Without voriconazole, the tacrolimus doses recommended for paediatric lung transplant recipients who were not CYP3A5*1 carriers were 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 mg/kg/day, split into two doses, for weights of 10-16, 16-30, and 30-40 kg, respectively. For paediatric lung transplant recipients who were CYP3A5*1 carriers, the tacrolimus doses of 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06 mg/kg/day, split into two doses, were recommended for weights of 10-16, 16-25, 25-30, and 30-40 kg, respectively. With voriconazole, the tacrolimus dose recommended for paediatric lung transplant recipients who were not CYP3A5*1 carriers was 0.02 mg/kg/day, split into two doses, for weights of 10-40 kg. For paediatric lung transplant recipients who were CYP3A5*1 carriers, tacrolimus doses of 0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg/day, split and two doses, were recommended for weights of 10-24 and 24-40 kg, respectively. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: This study developed tacrolimus dose regimens for the first time for paediatric lung transplant recipients using Monte Carlo simulation and optimized initial dosage in paediatric lung transplant recipients.

Voriconazol para tratamento de pacientes com aspergilose invasiva / Voriconazole for treatment of patients with invasive aspergillosis

CONTEXTO: A aspergilose é uma doença cujas manifestações clínicas são determinadas pela resposta imune do indivíduo, podendo apresentar-se de forma alérgica, saprofítica ou invasiva. A aspergilose invasiva é considerada uma infecção fúngica oportunista, progressiva, aguda e severa, de mau prognóstico, com o maior risco de vida em doentes imunodeprimidos ou que são sujeitos a terapias agressivas pelo uso de corticoides, antibióticos e drogas imunossupressoras. Os sintomas incluem febre, calafrios, choque, delírio e coágulos sanguíneos. Insuficiência renal e hepática (causando icterícia), além de dificuldade respiratória podem surgir. A morte pode ocorrer rapidamente. A taxa de incidência anual de infeção invasiva por Aspergillus spp. é de 12 casos por 1.000.000 hab. O Aspergillus fumigatus é responsável por mais de 90% das infeções humanas. Se iniciado precocemente, o tratamento gera um melhor prognóstico. TECNOLOGIA: Voriconazol versus anfotericina B (desoxicolato ou formulações lipídicas). PERGUNTA DE PESQUISA: O voriconazol é eficaz e seguro, quando comparado a anfotericina B (desoxicolato ou formulações lipídicas) para o tratamento de pessoas com aspergilose invasiva? EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS: A busca de evidências foi realizada nas bases de dados científicas: Medline (PUBMED), EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scopus e Web of Science. Foram 986 registros e ao final do processo de seleção de estudos, foram escolhidos três artigos científicos, sendo um estudo clínico randomizado multicêntrico e duas análises post-hoc da amostra original do estudo clínico randomizado multicêntrico citado anteriormente. De acordo com análise dos estudos incluídos, há evidência "baixa" favorável ao uso da tecnologia para o sucesso do tratamento em 12 semanas (RR: 1,67; IC95%: 1,25-2,24; p = 0,0006), sobrevida em 12 semanas (RR: 1,22; IC95%: 1,02-1,46; p = 0,03) e redução de efeitos adversos diretamente relacionados a droga (RR: 0,55; IC95%: 0,36-0,85; p = 0,008) quando comparada a Anfotericina B desoxicolato. Não houve diferença significativa em relação ao tempo de internação hospitalar e internação na UTI. Porém, deve ser salientado que não foram encontrados estudos comparando diretamente o voriconazol e formulações lipídicas da anfotericina B (anfotericina B lipossomal ou complexo lipídico de anfotericina B). Em uma revisão sistemática com metanálise, a eficácia do desoxicolato de anfotericina B e das formulações à base de lipídios foi semelhante. Não há estudo clínico randomizado com amostra grande do complexo lipídico de anfotericina B. EVIDÊNCIAS ECONÔMICAS: Foi conduzida avaliação econômica do tipo árvore de decisão, com horizonte temporal de doze semanas. Considerou-se como desfechos primários de efetividade: sobrevivência ao final do tratamento e sucesso terapêutico como medidas de efetividade. A análise de custo-efetividade mostrou que voriconazol é custo-efetivo, dominando todas alternativas. A análise de sensibilidade determinística não produziu alterações nas conclusões. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: A análise de impacto orçamentário (AIO) foi realizada para um horizonte temporal de cinco anos. Para a pergunta 1 de pesquisa, a incorporação de voriconazol teria um custo adicional de aproximadamente 198 milhões de reais. Estimou-se também o impacto orçamentário de 100% de voriconazol no tratamento farmacológico de pacientes com aspergilose invasiva. Nesse contexto, ocorreria uma economia da ordem de 83 milhões para a substituição do CLAB pelo voriconazol e de 144 milhões para substituição o ABD pelo voriconazol, em cinco anos. RECOMENDAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS: Foi realizada busca por recomendações de uso do voriconazol em instituições e agências de ATS. Não foi identificada recomendação do NICE para a tecnologia. CADTH emitiu uma recomendação de reembolso em 2004. SMC e TGA recomendam o uso da tecnologia para o tratamento de pacientes com aspergilose invasiva. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: Foi detectada uma tecnologia para compor o esquema terapêutico da candidíase invasiva. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Foi identificada evidência baixa ou muito baixa de benefício no uso da tecnologia para o sucesso do tratamento, sobrevida em 12 semanas e redução de efeitos adversos diretamente relacionados a droga. Porém, deve ser salientado que não foram encontrados estudos comparando diretamente o voriconazol e formulações lipídicas da anfotericina B (anfotericina B lipossomal ou complexo lipídico de anfotericina B). Dadas as evidências apresentadas, o uso de voriconazol tem potencial custo-efetivo para o tratamento da aspergilose invasiva. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Os membros do Plenário presentes na 107ª Reunião Ordinária da Conitec, no dia 06 de abril de 2022, deliberaram por unanimidade que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar favorável à incorporação de voriconazol para tratamento de pacientes com aspergilose invasiva. Dentre as justificativas para a recomendação, considerou-se a tecnologia custo-efetiva e que, de acordo com uma certeza de evidência baixa, resulta em maior no sucesso do tratamento, sobrevida em 12 semanas e redução de efeitos adversos diretamente relacionados a droga. A matéria foi disponibilizada em consulta pública. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A Consulta Pública no 29/2022 foi realizada entre os dias 29/04/2022 a 18/05/2022. Foram recebidas 11 contribuições, sendo quatro pelo formulário para contribuições técnico-científicas e sete pelo formulário para contribuições sobre experiência ou opinião de pacientes, familiares, amigos ou cuidadores de pacientes, profissionais de saúde ou pessoas interessadas no tema. As contribuições foram recebidas na consulta pública foram todas a favor da recomendação preliminar da Conitec que recomendava a recomendar a incorporação da anidulafungina. As argumentações destacaram os benefícios clínicos que o medicamento oferece com base em evidências já apresentadas na discussão inicial do tema e reitera que o medicamento se trata de opção terapêutica com melhor eficácia do que as opções de tratamento atualmente disponíveis no SUS, levando a maior sobrevida e menor incidência de efeitos colaterais. Não foram adicionadas na CP referências que alterassem a análise das evidências científicas e econômicas apresentadas no relatório preliminar de recomendação. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros do plenário presentes na 109ª reunião ordinária da Conitec, no dia 09 de junho de 2022, deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a incorporação, no SUS, do voriconazol para tratamento de pacientes com aspergilose invasiva. Não foram adicionadas na consulta pública referências que alterassem a recomendação preliminar. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº741/2022. DECISÃO: Incorporar, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, o voriconazol para tratamento de pacientes com aspergilose invasiva conforme a Portaria nº 59, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 142, seção 1, página 130, em 28 de julho de 2022.

Statistical optimization of voriconazole nanoparticles loaded carboxymethyl chitosan-poloxamer based in situ gel for ocular delivery: In vitro, ex vivo, and toxicity assessment.

The research study reflects the development of novel voriconazole (VCZ) loaded nanoparticles (NPs) for prolonged delivery for the management of ocular diseases. The in situ ophthalmic gel was prepared by incorporating NPs into carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) and poloxamer. The central composite design was used to optimize the process for the preparation of nanoparticles by the o/w solvent evaporation method. The developed nanoparticles were evaluated for the encapsulation efficiency (89.6 ± 1.2%), particle size (219.3 ± 1.8 nm), polydispersity index (PDI, 0.1), zeta potential (- 21.1 ± 1.12 mV), saturation solubility, DSC study, and drug release. The etherification process grafts carboxyl surface functional groups, on chitosan, and was confirmed by FTIR and NMR studies. The developed CMCh-poloxamer based gelling system was found to be clear and transparent with gelation temperature varying from 33 to 40 °C. The nanoparticle-loaded gel containing CMCh demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The optimized batch containing CMCh showed improved mucoadhesion by 2.86-fold compared to VCZ nanosuspension. The drug release was prolonged up to 8 h with an ex vivo study suggesting the enhanced permeation across goat cornea estimated via fluorescent microscope. The hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane study revealed that the formulation was non-irritant and tolerated by the chorioallantoic membrane. The present study concludes that the VCZ loaded nanoparticulate in situ ophthalmic gel using CMCh may act as a potential alternative for traditional eye drops.

Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of User-Testing of Health Professionals' Guidelines to Reduce the Frequency of Intravenous Medicines Administration Errors by Nurses in the United Kingdom: A Probabilistic Model Based on Voriconazole Administration.

AIM: In the UK, injectable medicines are often prepared and administered by nurses following the Injectable Medicines Guide (IMG). Our earlier study confirmed a higher frequency of correct administration with user-tested versus standard IMG guidelines. This current study aimed to model the cost-effectiveness of user-testing. METHODS: The costs and cost-effectiveness of user-testing were explored by modifying an existing probabilistic decision-analytic model. The adapted model considered administration of intravenous voriconazole to hospital inpatients by nurses. It included 11 error types, their probability of detection and level of harm. Model inputs (including costs) were derived from our previous study and other published data. Monte Carlo simulation using 20,000 samples (sufficient for convergence) was performed with a 5-year time horizon from the perspective of the 121 NHS trusts and health boards that use the IMG. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken for the risk of a medication error and other sources of uncertainty. RESULTS: The net monetary benefit at £20,000/quality-adjusted life year was £3,190,064 (95% credible interval (CrI): -346,709 to 8,480,665), favouring user-testing with a 96% chance of cost-effectiveness. Incremental cost-savings were £240,943 (95% CrI 43,527-491,576), also favouring user-tested guidelines with a 99% chance of cost-saving. The total user testing cost was £6317 (95% CrI 6012-6627). These findings were robust to assumptions about a range of input parameters, but greater uncertainty was seen with a lower medication error risk. CONCLUSIONS: User-testing of injectable medicines guidelines is a low-cost intervention that is highly likely to be cost-effective, especially for high-risk medicines.

Economic evaluation of isavuconazole for suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mold infections (IMI) directly impact life expectancy, especially with delayed therapy. Among IMI, aspergillosis (IA) is more common than mucormycosis (IM), resulting in IA-targeted empirical treatment with voriconazole for suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), despite IM ineffectiveness. Recently, isavuconazole was approved in Canada for IA and IM. The primary objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole for suspected IPA in Canada. A secondary objective was to assess the impact of varying time horizons to address the wide spectrum of life expectancies, according to patients underlying diseases. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A 5-year decision-tree was developed from the Canadian Ministry of Health (MoH) and societal perspectives. Efficacy parameters were extracted from SECURE/VITAL trials. Costs included treatment acquisition, hospitalization, adverse events and productivity loss. 3- and 10-year time horizon alternative scenarios and extensive sensitivity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: From a MoH perspective, isavuconazole compared to voriconazole resulted in an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of $C30,160/QALY. 3- and10-year ICURs were also cost-effective, relative to a willingness-to-pay threshold of $C50,000/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that, in comparison to voriconazole, isavuconazole is a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of patients with suspected IPA, regardless of their life expectancy.

Association between voriconazole exposure and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in critically ill patients.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is essential for voriconazole to ensure optimal drug exposure, mainly in critically ill patients for whom voriconazole demonstrated a large variability. The study aimed at describing factors associated with trough voriconazole concentrations in critically ill patients and evaluating the impact of voriconazole concentrations on adverse effects. A 2-year retrospective multicenter cohort study (NCT04502771) was conducted in six intensive care units. Adult patients who had at least one voriconazole TDM were included. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of voriconazole concentrations, and univariable logistic regression analysis, to study the relationship between voriconazole concentrations and adverse effects. During the 2-year study period, 70 patients were included. Optimal trough voriconazole concentrations were reported in 37 patients (52.8%), subtherapeutic in 20 (28.6%), and supratherapeutic in 13 (18.6%). Adverse effects were reported in six (8.6%) patients. SOFA score was identified as a factor associated with an increase in voriconazole concentration (p = 0.025), mainly in the group of patients who had SOFA score ≥ 10. Moreover, an increase in voriconazole concentration was shown to be a risk factor for occurrence of adverse effects (p = 0.011). In that respect, critically ill patients who received voriconazole treatment must benefit from a TDM, particularly if they have a SOFA score ≥ 10. Indeed, identifying patients who are overdosed will help to prevent voriconazole related adverse effects. This result is of utmost importance given the recognized COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in ICU patients for whom voriconazole is among the recommended first-line treatment.

Tailoring thixotropic mixed-lipid nanoconstructs of voriconazole for the management of Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Formulation, statistical optimization, in vitro characterization and in vivo assessment.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a pervasive gynecological condition among women worldwide due to infection recurrence and resistance to conventional drugs. This calls for a novel formulation of alternative medication and with enhanced efficacy. This study aimed to fabricate mixed-lipid nanoconstructs (MLNCs) of voriconazole (VCZ) with a low concentration of lipids applying high shear homogenization and ultrasonication to form a semisolid formulation. Tefose 63 and Gelot 64 were employed as emulsifiers that are specified for vaginal preparations; as per their mucoadhesive properties and their texture enhancing characters, although usually used as lipids in different lipid carriers. A 24 factorial design was established and the optimized formulation was prepared using 10% total lipids, in which solid lipids (Sterotex NF: Glyceryl monostearate) ratio was 1.92:1 and the oils percentage was 30% (Maisine: Glyceryl monooleate, in the ratio of 1:1), and the emulsifiers mixture (Tefose 63: Gelot 64) ratio was 1:1, as 10% of total formulation weight. The optimized formulation with a viscosity of 964.49 ± 57.99 cp showed spherical nanoparticles (322.72 ± 15.11 nm) that entrapped 67.16 ± 3.45% of VCZ and exhibited release of 70.08 ± 2.87% in 8 h. The optimized formulation with high bioadhesive potentials significantly reduced the fungal burden in female Wistar rats infected with vaginal candidiasis, compared to the aqueous VCZ suspension (p < .05). Furthermore, in vivo histopathological findings proved the effectiveness and the safety of the optimized MLNCs formulation after vaginal application. Inclusively, MLNCs formulation could be a promising vaginal delivery system of VCZ for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole, the standard of care in the treatment of patients with invasive mould diseases, prior to differential pathogen diagnosis in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mould diseases are associated with high morbidity, mortality and economic impact. Its treatment is often started prior to differential pathogen diagnosis. Isavuconazole is approved for treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) when amphotericin-B is not indicated. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole vs voriconazole for the treatment of adult patients with possible IA prior to differential pathogen diagnosis, in Spain. METHODS: A decision tree analysis was performed using the Spanish Healthcare System perspective. Among all patients with possible IA, it was considered that 7.81% actually had IM. Costs for laboratory analysis, management of adverse events, hospitalisation and drugs per patient, deaths and long-term effects in life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs) were considered. Efficacy data were obtained from clinical trials and utilities from the literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted. RESULTS: In patients with possible IA and when compared to voricanozole, isavuconazole showed an incremental cost of 4758.53€, besides an incremental effectiveness of +0.49 LYs and +0.41 QALYs per patient. The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio was 9622.52€ per LY gained and 11,734.79€ per QALY gained. The higher cost of isavuconazole was due to drug acquisition. Main parameters influencing results were mortality, treatment duration and hospitalisation days. The PSA results showed that isavuconazole has a probability of being cost-effective of 67.34%, being dominant in 24.00% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Isavuconazole is a cost-effective treatment compared to voriconazole for patients with possible IA for a willingness to pay threshold of 25,000€ per additional QALY.

Eficacia y seguridad de las terapias antifúngicas intravenosas para la aspergilosis invasiva, en pacientes adultos con nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a la anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda o progresiva (segunda línea de tratamiento) / Efficacy and safety of intravenous antifungal therapies for invasive aspergillosis in adult patients with nephrotoxicity or intolerance to amphotericin B deoxycholate and acute or progressive disease (second-line treatment)

INTRODUCCIÓN: El presente dictamen preliminar expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad de las terapias antifúngicas intravenosas para la aspergilosis invasiva, en pacientes adultos con nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a la anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda o progresiva. La aspergilosis invasiva (AI) es una infección fúngica altamente letal en hospedadores inmunodeprimidos. Se estima que la tasa de mortalidad es de aproximadamente 30 a 80 %. La anfotericina B deoxicolato es el agente antifúngico (intravenoso) con mayor experiencia de uso para tratar la AI; sin embargo, se asocia con importantes toxicidades que limitan su uso, principalmente la nefrotoxicidad. En EsSalud, los pacientes con AI, nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda, disponen de caspofungina. Sin embargo, el IETSI recibió una solicitud de uso de isavuconazol intravenoso bajo la argumentación de que este fármaco representa la mejor opción terapéutica para este tipo de pacientes, basado en un mejor perfil de eficacia y seguridad. Considerando que, además del isavuconazol, existen otras alternativas antifúngicas intravenosas indicadas para este tipo de pacientes, algunas de las cuales tienen experiencia de uso en EsSalud, el equipo evaluador del IETSI optó por re-evaluar el problema de decisión y realizar una evaluación de múltiples tecnologías sanitarias con el fin de identificar la opción de tratamiento más efectiva, segura y costo-efectiva para la población de interés. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de literatura con el objetivo de identificar evidencia sobre la eficacia y seguridad de las terapias antifúngicas intravenosas para la aspergilosis invasiva, en pacientes adultos con nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a la anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda o progresiva. Se utilizaron las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane Library y LILACS, priorizándose la evidencia proveniente de ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda dentro de bases de datos pertenecientes a grupos que realizan evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC), incluyendo el Healthcare Improvement Scotland, el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), el Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG), además de la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA) y páginas web de sociedades especializadas en aspergilosis como American Thoracic Society (ATS), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) y European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL). Se hizo una búsqueda adicional en la página web del Registro administrado por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina de los Estados Unidos (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) e International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP) (https://apps.who.int/trialsearch/), para poder identificar ensayos clínicos en curso o que no hayan sido publicados para, de este modo, disminuir el riesgo de sesgo de publicación. Para que la búsqueda de información pueda ser empleada para responder a la pregunta PICO se utilizaron estrategias de búsqueda que incluyeron términos relacionados a la población de interés, la intervención, y el comparador. Se emplearon términos MeSH1 y términos libre junto con operadores booleanos acordes a cada una de las bases de datos elegidas para la búsqueda. Con la estrategia de búsqueda diseñada para PubMed, se generaron alertas diarias vía correo electrónico con el objetivo de identificar estudios publicados luego del 09 de octubre de 2020. La búsqueda bibliográfica se limitó a GPC, ETS, revisiones sistemáticas con meta-análisis, y ECA que hayan evaluado la pregunta PICO de interés del presente dictamen. Ante la ausencia de ECA, también se buscaron estudios observacionales comparativos. La búsqueda se limitó a estudios en inglés y español. Se excluyeron las series de casos, los reportes de casos, las cartas al editor, los comentarios, las editoriales, los resúmenes de congresos y los estudios in vitro. La selección de los estudios fue llevada a cabo en dos fases. La primera fase consistió en la revisión de los títulos o los resúmenes a través del aplicativo web Rayyan (https://rayyan.qcri.org), que permitió pre-seleccionar los estudios a incluir y/o los que requerían más información para decidir. En la segunda fase se aplicaron de nuevo los criterios de elegibilidad empleando el texto completo de los estudios que fueron pre-seleccionados. RESULTADOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de las terapias antifúngicas intravenosas para la aspergilosis invasiva, en pacientes adultos con nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a la anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda o progresiva. A continuación, se describe la evidencia disponible según el orden jerárquico del nivel de evidencia o pirámide de Haynes 6S. CONCLUSIONES: El presente dictamen preliminar tuvo como objetivo evaluar la mejor evidencia sobre la eficacia y seguridad de las terapias antifúngicas intravenosas para la aspergilosis invasiva, en pacientes adultos con nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a la anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda o progresiva (segunda línea de tratamiento). Las intervenciones de interés fueron el isavuconazol intravenoso, el voriconazol intravenoso y la L-AmB (intravenosa), y el comparador de interés fue la caspofungina. Los desenlaces de interés fueron la respuesta clínica, microbiológica y radiológica, la sobrevida global, la mortalidad, la calidad de vida y los eventos adversos. La evidencia disponible sobre la mejor alternativa antifúngica para pacientes con AI y nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a anfotericina B deoxicolato (o tratamientos antifúngicos convencionales en general) es de baja calidad metodológica. La evidencia disponible sugiere, aunque con una gran incertidumbre, que los antifúngicos de interés para la presente evaluación (isavuconazol, voriconazol, L-AmB y caspofungina) tendrían similar eficacia, en términos de respuesta antifúngica, pero con diferentes perfiles de seguridad. De estos, caspofungina es el que tiene más evidencia en un contexto de intolerancia y sus estudios incluyen a la población de interés del presente dictamen preliminar. Caspofungina es mejor tolerado que otras clases de antifúngicos sistémicos, no habiéndose reportado eventos de nefrotoxicidad. En ese sentido, caspofungina sería el fármaco más adecuado para tratar a la población de interés del presente dictamen. De manera adicional, es importante resaltar que optar por el uso de caspofungina, en lugar de los otros antifúngicos evaluados, es una decisión con mejor perfil de costo-oportunidad; ya que este fármaco tiene los costos más asequibles a nivel institucional. Por lo expuesto, el IETSI no aprueba el uso de isavuconazol intravenoso, voriconazol intravenoso y L-AmB (intravenosa) en pacientes adultos con AI, nefrotoxicidad o intolerancia a la anfotericina B deoxicolato y enfermedad aguda o progresiva.