[Cost-effectiveness of exenatide versus insulin glargine in Spanish patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Abstract

Background and objectives: Exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist for adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been shown to be as effective as insulin glargine (IG) for reducing glycated hemoglobin levels combined with metformin or/and sulphonylureas. Exenatide is associated to weight reduction and a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of exenatide as compared to IG in obese patients with T2DM not achieving an adequate blood glucose control from the perspective of the Spanish healthcare system.

Methods: Pharmacoeconomic model inputs were obtained from an obese subpopulation (BMI ≥ 30 k/m(2)) of an international, randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing exenatide with IG in poorly controlled T2DM patients, and were supplemented with country-specific data.

Results: Exenatide was associated to improvements in life-years gained and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 0.11 and 0.62 respectively versus IG. Direct costs were € 9,306 higher as compared to IG (€ 47,010 versus € 37,704, with increased pharmacy costs as the main driver). Exenatideís incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was € 15,068 per QALY gained versus IG.

Conclusions: Exenatide was associated to greater clinical benefits and higher costs in obese T2DM patients as compared to IG. Considering a willingness-to-pay threshold of € 30,000 per QALY gained in the Spanish setting, exenatide represents an efficient option in comparison with IG.