Abstract Purpose SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to impact global health, particularly among high-risk vulnerable individuals. With the loss of federal funding for SARS-CoV-2 management, hospitals will need to budget appropriately for antivirals like remdesivir, which has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing mortality. We evaluated the economic impact realized by hospitals for patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection and initiated on remdesivir therapy. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis using data compiled in the Premier Healthcare Database from January 2023 to February 2024. Propensity score matching was used to compare remdesivir-treated (RDV) and untreated (No RDV) groups. The mortality rate, hazard ratios associated with remdesivir use, and hospitalization costs were assessed overall and among the elderly (age ≥65 years). We also conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the economic value of remdesivir treatment. Results Among 25, 498 hospitalized patients, the mortality rate in the RDV group was lower than in the No RDV group (6. 2% vs 8. 1), with a greater reduction in the elderly (6. 9% vs 9. 0%). Remdesivir significantly reduced mortality risk by approximately 25% overall and among the elderly. Each life saved was realized at a minimal increase in average hospitalization costs (18, 329 in the RDV group vs 14, 845 in the No RDV group). Remdesivir was a cost-effective treatment option at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 25, 000 overall and among the elderly. Conclusions Our evaluation provides contemporaneous evidence of benefits and costs associated with management of individuals hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Initiation of remdesivir was associated with minimal incremental hospitalization costs for lives saved as compared to not initiating remdesivir. Hospital pharmacy leadership can utilize this real-world evidence to appropriately budget for remdesivir treatment.
Kalil et al. (Tue,) studied this question.