Cost per responder of adalimumab biosimilars versus methotrexate in patients with psoriasis: a real-life experience

BACKGROUND: Pharmacoeconomic studies examining the cost-effectiveness of adalimumab biosimilars versus methotrexate in real-life settings are limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the cost per responder from the perspective of the National Health System of adalimumab biosimilars versus methotrexate for psoriasis treatment in a real-life setting. METHODS: A cost-per responder analysis comparing adalimumab biosimilars MSB11022 (Idacio®) and ABP 501 (Amgevita) versus subcutaneous methotrexate was performed. The incremental cost per responder was calculated by multiplying the cost of treatment (including the discounts, as published in the framework agreement of the Veneto region) and the number needed to treat each therapy. The clinical efficacy measures were defined as being on treatment (i.e., retention rate) at weeks 24 and 52. RESULTS: and €652 for methotrexate, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The real-life cost-effectiveness of biosimilar drugs is largely influenced by discount rates. The week 52 cost-effectiveness of Idacio is comparable to subcutaneous methotrexate. The lowering of the cost of biosimilar drugs makes them a more accessible therapeutic option and they also can be introduced earlier in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.