A modelling study of the budget impact of improved glycaemic control in adults with Type 1 diabetes in the UK.

AIMS: To develop a novel interactive budget impact model that assesses affordability of diabetes treatments in specific populations, and to test the model in a hypothetical scenario by estimating cost savings resulting from reduction in HbA1c from ≥69 mmol/mol (8.5%) to a target of 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) in adults with Type 1 diabetes in the UK. METHODS: A dynamic, interactive model was created using the projected incidence and progression over a 5-year horizon of diabetes-related complications (micro- and macrovascular disease, severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis) for different HbA1c levels, with flexible input of population size, complications and therapy costs, HbA1c distribution and other variables. The model took a National Health Service and societal perspective. RESULTS: The model was developed, and in the proposed hypothetical situation, reductions in complications and expected costs evaluated. Achievement of target HbA1c in individuals with HbA1c ≥69 mmol/mol (8.5%) would reduce expected chronic complications from 6.8 to 1.2 events per 100 person-years, and diabetic ketoacidosis from 14.5 to 1.0 events per 100 person-years. Potential cumulative direct cost savings achievable in the modelled population were estimated at £687 m over 5 years (£5,585/person), with total (direct and indirect) savings of £1,034 m (£8,400/person). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of strategies aimed at achieving target glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK has the potential to drive a significant reduction in complication costs. This estimate may provide insights into the potential for investment in achieving savings through improved diabetes care in the UK.

Modelling potential cost savings from use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To investigate potential cost savings associated with the use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) throughout pregnancy in women with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: A budget impact model was developed to estimate, from the perspective of National Health Service England, the total costs of managing pregnancy and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes using self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with and without RT-CGM. It was assumed that the entire modelled cohort (n = 1441) would use RT-CGM from 10 to 38 weeks' gestation (7 months). Data on pregnancy and neonatal complication rates and related costs were derived from published literature, national tariffs, and device manufacturers. RESULTS: The cost of glucose monitoring was £588 with SMBG alone and £1820 with RT-CGM. The total annual costs of managing pregnancy and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes were £23 725 648 with SMBG alone, and £14 165 187 with SMBG and RT-CGM; indicating potential cost savings of approximately £9 560 461 from using RT-CGM. The principal drivers of cost savings were the daily cost of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (£3743) and the shorter duration of NICU stay (mean 6.6 vs. 9.1 days respectively). Sensitivity analyses showed that RT-CGM remained cost saving, albeit to lesser extents, across a range of NICU costs and durations of hospital stay, and with varying numbers of daily SMBG measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of RT-CGM by pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes, would result in substantial cost savings, mainly through reductions in NICU admissions and shorter duration of NICU care.

Use of sensor-integrated pump therapy to reduce hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes: a real-world study in the UK.

AIMS: To assess the efficacy of insulin pumps with automated insulin suspension systems in a real-world setting. METHODS: We analysed anonymized data uploaded to CareLink™ by people (n=920) with Type 1 diabetes using the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system and the MiniMed 640G system (Medtronic International Trading Sàrl, Tolochanez, Switzerland) with SmartGuard technology, with or without automated insulin suspension enabled, between February 2016 and June 2018. Users with ≥15 days of sensor data and ≥70% sensor-wear time were classified as sensor-augmented pump alone, sensor-integrated pump with low glucose suspend enabled or sensor-integrated pump with predictive low glucose management enabled. RESULTS: The median (25th -75th percentile) system use was 161 (58-348) days. The median time spent with sensor glucose values ≤3 mmol/l was 0.8 (0.3-1.7)% in the sensor-augmented pump group, 0.3 (0.1-0.7)% in the sensor-integrated pump with low glucose suspend group, and 0.3 (0.1-0.5)% in the sensor-integrated pump with predictive low glucose management group. In individuals switching from sensor-augmented pump to sensor-integrated pump with low glucose suspend (n=31), there were significant reductions in the monthly rate of hypoglycaemic events <3 mmol/l (rate ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.89; P=0.009) and in the percentage of time with glucose values ≤3 mmol/l [sensor-augmented pump: 0.63% (95% CI 0.34-1.29), sensor-integrated pump with low glucose suspend: 0.33% (95% CI 0.16-0.64); P=0.001]. The monthly rate of hypoglycaemic events decreased further in individuals (n=139) switching from sensor-integrated pump with low glucose suspend to sensor-integrated pump with predictive low glucose management [rate ratio 0.82 (95% CI 0.69-0.98); P<0.0274]. Similar results were seen for events <3.9 mmol/l. There was no difference in median time spent in target glucose range. CONCLUSION: Real-world UK data show that increasing automation of insulin suspension reduces hypoglycaemia exposure in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Cost-effectiveness of sensor-augmented pump therapy in two different patient populations with type 1 diabetes in Italy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAP) combines real time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) and provides additional benefits beyond those provided by CSII alone. SAP with automated insulin suspension provides early warning of the onset of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and has the functionality to suspend insulin delivery if sensor glucose levels are predicted to fall below a predefined threshold. Aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of SAP with automated insulin suspension versus CSII alone in type 1 diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using the CORE Diabetes Model. The analysis was performed in two different cohorts: one with high baseline HbA1c and one at elevated risk for hypoglycemic events. Clinical input data were sourced from published data. The analysis was conducted from a societal perspective over a lifetime time horizon; costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 3% per year. In patients with poor glycemic control, SAP with automated insulin suspension resulted in improved discounted quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALY) versus CSII (12.44 QALYs vs. 10.99 QALYs) but higher mean total lifetime costs (€324,991 vs. €259,852), resulting in an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €44,982 per QALY gained. In patients at elevated risk for hypoglycemia, the ICER was €33,692 per QALY gained for SAP versus CSII. CONCLUSION: In Italy, the use of SAP with automated insulin suspension is associated with projected improvements in outcomes as compared to CSII. These benefits translate into an ICER usually considered as good value for money, particularly in patients at elevated risk of hypoglycemia.

Health-economic analysis of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in people with Type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of the sensor-augmented pump compared with self-monitoring of plasma glucose plus continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in people with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: The CORE Diabetes Model was used to simulate disease progression in a cohort of people with baseline characteristics taken from a published meta-analysis. Direct and indirect costs for 2010-2011 were calculated from a societal payer perspective, with cost-effectiveness calculated over the patient's lifetime. Discount rates of 3% per annum were applied to the costs and the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Use of the sensor-augmented pump was associated with an increase in mean discounted, quality-adjusted life expectancy of 0.76 quality-adjusted life years compared with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (13.05 ± 0.12 quality-adjusted life years vs 12.29 ± 0.12 quality-adjusted life years, respectively). Undiscounted life expectancy increased by 1.03 years for the sensor-augmented pump compared with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. In addition, the onset of complications was delayed (by a mean of 1.15 years) with use of the sensor-augmented pump. This analysis resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 367,571 SEK per quality-adjusted life year gained with the sensor-augmented pump. The additional treatment costs related to the use of the sensor-augmented pump were partially offset by the savings attributable to the reduction in diabetes-related complications and the lower frequency of self-monitoring of plasma glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis using the CORE Diabetes Model showed that improvements in glycaemic control associated with sensor-augmented pump use led to a reduced incidence of diabetes-related complications and a longer life expectancy. Use of the sensor-augmented pump was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 367,571 SEK per quality-adjusted life year gained, which is likely to represent good value for money in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes in Sweden.

Cost-effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections of insulin in Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review.

AIM: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly used in clinical practice for the management of selected patients with Type 1 diabetes. Several cost-effectiveness studies comparing CSII vs. multiple insulin injections (MDI) have been reported. The aim was systematically to review these analyses and test the hypothesis that CSII is a cost-effective use of healthcare resources across settings. METHODS: A literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and other databases. No time limit or language restrictions were applied. After two rounds of screening, 11 cost-effectiveness analyses were included in the final review, of which nine used the CORE Diabetes Model. A narrative synthesis was conducted and mean cost effectiveness calculated. RESULTS: CSII was considered cost-effective vs. MDI in Type 1 diabetes in all 11 studies in 8 countries, with a mean (95% CI) incremental cost effectiveness ratio of €30 862 (17 997-43 727), US$40 143 (23 409-56 876) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. CSII was associated with improved life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy (0.4-1.1 QALYs in adults), driven by lower HbA(1c) and lower frequency of hypoglycaemic events vs. MDI. CSII was associated with higher lifetime direct costs due to higher treatment costs but this was partially offset by cost-savings from reduced diabetes-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Published cost-effectiveness analyses show that in Type 1 diabetes CSII is cost-effective vs. MDI across a number of settings for patients who have poor glycaemic control and/or problematic hypoglycaemia on MDI, with cost-effectiveness highly sensitive to the reduction in HbA1c and hypoglycaemia frequency associated with CSII.

The Cost-Effectiveness of an Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System in People with Type 1 Diabetes: a Health Economic Analysis in Sweden.

INTRODUCTION: Swedish National Diabetes Registry data show a correlation of improved glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with increased use of diabetes technologies over the past 25 years. However, novel technologies are often associated with a high initial outlay. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) MiniMed 780G system versus intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) plus self-injection of multiple daily insulin (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in people with T1D in Sweden. METHODS: Outcomes were projected over patients' lifetimes using the IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model (v9.0). Clinical data, including changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hypoglycemia rates, were sourced from observational studies and a randomized crossover trial. Modeled patients were assumed to receive the treatments for their lifetimes, with HbA1c kept constant following the application of treatment effects. Costs were accounted from a societal perspective and expressed in Swedish krona (SEK). Utilities and days off work estimates were taken from published sources. RESULTS: The MiniMed 780G system was associated with an improvement in life expectancy of 0.16 years and an improvement in quality-adjusted life expectancy of 1.95 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) versus isCGM plus MDI or CSII. These clinical benefits were due to a reduced incidence and a delayed time to onset of diabetes-related complications. Combined costs were estimated to be SEK 727,408 (EUR 72,741) higher with MiniMed 780G, with treatment costs partially offset by direct cost savings from the avoidance of diabetes-related complications and indirect cost savings from the avoidance of lost workplace productivity. The MiniMed 780G system was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SEK 373,700 per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a willingness-to-pay threshold of SEK 500,000 per QALY gained, the MiniMed 780G system was projected to be cost-effective versus isCGM plus MDI or CSII for the treatment of T1D in Sweden.

The psoriatic arthritis cost evaluation study: a cost-of-illness study on tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis patients with inadequate response to conventional therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of anti-TNF agents in PsA patients with inadequate response to conventional treatment. METHODS: A total of 107 patients, from nine Italian rheumatology centres, with different forms of PsA were given anti-TNF treatment, mainly etanercept (87%). Information on resource use, health-related quality of life, disease activity, function and laboratory values were collected at baseline and through out the 12 months of therapy. Cost (expressed in euro 2007) and utility (measured by EuroQol) before and after anti-TNF therapy initiation were compared in order to estimate the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve was calculated. RESULTS: At the end of 12 months, there was a significant increase in direct cost due to an increase of drug cost caused by TNF inhibitors that was only partially offset by the decrease in indirect cost. In the last 6 months of therapy, the direct cost increased by euro5052, the cost for the National Health System (NHS) by euro5044 and the social cost by euro4638. However, a gain of 0.12 QALY resulted in a cost per QALY gained of euro40 876 for the NHS and of euro37 591 for the society. The acceptability curve showed that there would be a 97% likelihood that anti-TNF therapy would be considered cost-effective at willingness-to-pay threshold of euro60 000 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: Cost-effectiveness ratios are within the commonly accepted willingness-to-pay threshold. These results need to be confirmed in larger samples of patients.

Cost-effectiveness of sensor-augmented pump therapy versus standard insulin pump therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes in Denmark.

AIMS: The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has increased in recent years. Sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAP) with low glucose suspend (LGS) (allowing temporary suspension of insulin delivery if blood glucose level falls below a pre-defined threshold level) provides additional benefits over CSII alone, but is associated with higher acquisition costs. Therefore, a cost-effectiveness analysis of SAP+LGS versus CSII in patients with T1D was performed. METHODS: Analyses were performed using the CORE Diabetes Model in two different patient cohorts in Denmark, one with hyperglycemia at baseline and one with increased risk for hypoglycemic events. Clinical input data were sourced from published literature. The analysis was performed over a lifetime time horizon from a societal perspective. Future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 3% per annum. RESULTS: In patients who were hyperglycemic at baseline the use of SAP+LGS versus CSII resulted in improved quality-adjusted life expectancy (12.44 versus 10.99 quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]) but higher mean lifetime costs (DKK 2,027,316 versus DKK 1,801,293) leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of DKK 156,082 per QALY gained. For patients at increased risk for hypoglycemic events the ICER for SAP+LGS versus CSII was DKK 89,868 per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS: The ICER for SAP+LGS versus CSII falls below commonly cited willingness-to-pay thresholds. Therefore, in Denmark, the use of SAP+LGS is likely to be considered cost-effective relative to CSII for patients with T1D who are either hyperglycemic, despite CSII use, or who experience frequent severe hypoglycemic events.

Cost-effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in people with type 2 diabetes in the Netherlands.

AIMS: Up to 30% of insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients are unable to achieve HbA1c targets despite optimization of insulin multiple daily injections (MDI). For these patients the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) represents a useful but under-utilized alternative. The aim of the present analysis was to examine the cost-effectiveness of initiating CSII in type 2 diabetes patients failing to achieve good glycemic control on MDI in the Netherlands. METHODS: Long-term projections were made using the IMS CORE Diabetes Model. Clinical input data were sourced from the OpT2mise trial. The analysis was performed over a lifetime time horizon. The discount rates applied to future costs and clinical outcomes were 4% and 1.5% per annum, respectively. RESULTS: CSII was associated with improved quality-adjusted life expectancy compared with MDI (9.38 quality-adjusted life years [QALYs] vs 8.95 QALYs, respectively). The breakdown of costs indicated that ∼50% of costs were attributable to diabetes-related complications. Higher acquisition costs of CSII vs MDI were partially offset by the reduction in complications. The ICER was estimated at EUR 62,895 per QALY gained and EUR 60,474 per QALY gained when indirect costs were included. CONCLUSIONS: In the Netherlands, CSII represents a cost-effective option in patients with type 2 diabetes who continue to have poorly-controlled HbA1c despite optimization of MDI. Since the ICER falls below the willingness-to-pay threshold of EUR 80,000 per QALY gained, CSII is likely to represent good-value for money in the treatment of poorly-controlled T2D patients compared with MDI.

Autoantibody profile during short-term infliximab treatment for Crohn's disease: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The potential clinical implications of autoimmunity during treatment with infliximab are unclear. AIM: To determine the frequency and correlation of autoantibody formation in patients with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab in a routine clinical setting. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with refractory/inflammatory (31) and/or fistulising Crohn's disease (32), received an infliximab infusion at a dose 5 mg/kg in weeks 0, 2 and 6, and were evaluated for the development of antinuclear, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-SSA, anti-SSB and antihistone antibodies. The correlates with pharmacological treatments, the response to infliximab and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Antinuclear antibodies were found in five of the 63 patients (8%) at baseline and in 26 (42%) after 10 weeks (P < 0.001). Of the 26 antinuclear antibody-positive patients who were further subtyped, nine of 63 (17%) had anti-double-stranded DNA (P = 0.003), and 1.5% were extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) and antihistone-positive. Five patients were initially positive for anticardiolipin antibodies and two more patients became positive during infliximab treatment. New autoantibody formation was more frequent in the patients with inflammatory/refractory disease than in those with fistulising disease (17 vs. 7; P = 0.02). One patient developed drug-induced lupus without major organ damage. CONCLUSIONS: Autoantibody formation occurs in 42% of patients (8% of these patients were positive before infliximab treatment) with Crohn's disease receiving induction treatment with infliximab, but the clinical significance of this remains to be determined.

Impact of continuous glucose monitoring on quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and use of medical care resources: analyses from the SWITCH study.

To investigate the impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), treatment satisfaction (TS) medical resource use, and indirect costs in the SWITCH study. SWITCH was a multicentre, randomized, crossover study. Patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 153) using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) were randomized to a 12 month sensor-On/Off or sensor-Off/On sequence (6 months each treatment), with a 4-month washout between periods. HRQOL in children and TS in adults were measured using validated questionnaires. Medical resource utilization data were collected. In adults, TS was significantly higher in the sensor-On arm, and there were significant improvements in ratings for treatment convenience and flexibility. There were no clinically significant differences in children's HRQOL or parents' proxy ratings. The incidence of severe hypoglycaemia, unscheduled visits, or diabetes-related hospitalizations did not differ significantly between the two arms. Adult patients made fewer telephone consultations during the sensor-On arm; children's caregivers made similar numbers of telephone consultations during both arms, and calls were on average only 3 min longer during the sensor-On arm. Regarding indirect costs, children with >70 % sensor usage missed fewer school days, compared with the sensor-Off arm (P = 0.0046) but there was no significant difference in the adults days of work off. The addition of CGM to CSII resulted in better metabolic control without imposing an additional burden on the patient or increased medical resource use, and offered the potential for cost offsets.

Cost analysis of capecitabine vs 5-fluorouracil-based treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

The aim was to evaluate the cost of capecitabine vs conventional combination chemotherapics such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Italy. The study was a multicenter, retrospective longitudinal treatment-cost analysis. Patients older than 18 years, diagnosis of mCRC and at least 3 completed cycles of chemotherapy with oral capecitabine or 5-FU also in association with other chemotherapic agents were enrolled. Direct healthcare resources attributable to mCRC treatment were quantified using 2007 prices and tariffs. The analysis was conducted from the National Health Service perspective with a 6-month time horizon. A total of 231 patients affected by mCRC (55% males; mean age 63.7+/-10.31 yrs) were studied. Total direct costs per patient per month in capecitabine and 5-FU groups were euro1,001.66 +/- euro434.93 and euro3,172.81 +/- euro1,232.37 respectively (p<0.0001). Oral capecitabine therapy cost the health service less than intravenous therapies.