An Employer-Based Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Novel Pharmacotherapy Agent for Smoking Cessation

Introduction: An employer-based cost-benefit analysis for varenicline versus bupropion was conducted using clinical outcomes from a recently published trial. Methods: A decision tree model was developed based on the net benefit of treatment to produce a nonsmoker at 1 year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted based on quit rates with placebo and varenicline and the cost of varenicline. Results: Estimated 12-month employer cost savings per non-smoking employee were $540.60 for varenicline, $269.80 for bupropion SR generic, $150.80 for bupropion SR brand, and $81.80 for placebo. Varenicline was more cost beneficial than placebo, which had quit rates of 16.9% or less. The quit rate with varenicline would have to be ≤16.9% to lose cost benefit over bupropion SR generic. Conclusions: The economic benefit of varenicline is improved over bupropion, despite the increased initial cost of varenicline.