Praluent Cost-Effectiveness Gleaned From Large Outcome Trial

Researchers shared estimates of the long-term cost-effectiveness of the PCSK9 inhibitor Praluent (alirocumab) in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who had elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, despite use of high-intensity statins. The findings were presented at the Scientific Sessions 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.

“Phase 3 trials have shown that PCSK9 inhibitors reduce ischemic cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with a well-tolerated safety profile,” researchers wrote. “However, the substantial cost of these drugs makes it imperative to estimate their cost-effectiveness in clinical practice.”

For the study, researchers used patient-level data from ODYSSEY Outcomes, a 18,924-patient, international, randomized, clinical trial. The trial demonstrated reduced major adverse cardiovascular events with Praluent compared with placebo in patients 1 to 12 months post-ACS with elevated LDL cholesterol levels despite intensive statin therapy.

In addition to patient-level data, ODYSSEY Outcomes offered longer-term outcome data for analysis compared with previous cost-effectiveness analyses of PCSK9 inhibitors, researchers explained. The mean follow-up period for this cost-effectiveness analysis was 2.8 years.

At the conference, researchers presented findings on the cost-effectiveness of Praluent compared with placebo based on estimated lifetime cost increases and quality-adjusted life year gains. —Jolynn Tumolo