Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Cannabinoid Oromucosal Spray Use for the Management of Spasticity in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis

Clin Drug Investig. 2020 Apr;40(4):319-326. doi: 10.1007/s40261-020-00895-6.

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly symptomatic disease, with a wide range of disabilities affecting many bodily functions, even in younger persons with a short disease history. The availability of a cannabinoid oromucosal spray (Sativex) for the management of treatment-resistant MS spasticity has provided a new opportunity for many patients.

Objective: Our study aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of Sativex in Italian patients with treatment-resistant MS spasticity. The analysis was based on the real-world data of a large registry of Italian patients.

Methods: A cost-utility analysis was conducted using data collected prospectively from an electronic registry of all patients who began to use Sativex for MS-resistant spasticity between January 2014 and February 2015 in 30 specialized MS units across Italy and were followed up for ≤ 6 months. Data on drug consumption and spasticity/utility were used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of Sativex, as compared with no intervention. No costs or spasticity/utility changes were assumed for no treatment intervention. The ICER was expressed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained, using the Italian NHS perspective and a 6-month time horizon.

Results: Sativex effectiveness and consumption was estimated analyzing data of 1350 patients from the registry. These patients reported a mean (SD) utility increment of 0.087 (0.069) after 1 month of treatment, 0.118 (0.073) after 3 months' treatment and 0.127 (0.080) after 6 months' treatment. The 6-month cost of treating the entire population with Sativex was €1,361,266, with a €1008 cost and 0.0284 QALYs gained per patient. The estimated ICER was €35,516 per QALY gained, with little variability around the central estimate of cost-effectiveness, as shown by the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve.

Conclusion: The use of Sativex could improve the quality of life of patients with a reasonable incremental cost resulting as a cost-effective option for patients with MS-resistant spasticity. These results could help clinicians and decision makers to develop improved management strategies for spasticity in patients with MS, optimizing the use of available resources.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cannabidiol / administration & dosage*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol
  • nabiximols