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Alshehri A, Dougherty JA, Beckman L, Svensson M. A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses of gene therapy for hemophilia type A and B. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2024; 30:1178-1188. [PMID: 39321118 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2024.30.10.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2022-2023, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 2 novel gene therapies, valoctocogene roxaparvovec and etranacogene dezaparavovec, for hemophilia A and B, respectively. These one-time-administered gene therapies have been marketed at prices that create financial challenges for payers and patients. Understanding the magnitude and uncertainties around the long-term value of these therapies and how they can potentially relate to managed care practices is of high interest to the payer and patient community. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) studies to assess (1) the long-term value of valoctocogene roxaparvovec and etranacogene dezaparavovec and (2) the relevance and validity of the underlying data and assumptions used in the CEA models and discuss how they relate to the challenges identified for CEAs of gene therapies. METHODS A systematic review of cost-effectiveness studies of novel hemophilia A and B gene therapy was conducted. PubMed and Embase were searched for published studies from inception to January 12, 2024. Original research articles published in English that conducted a CEA on gene therapy treatments for hemophilia A and B, with a comparison of incremental costs and health effects, were considered. Critical appraisal of the quality of reporting and the underlying modeling assumptions were conducted to assess the relevance and validity of the results. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-eight studies were identified, of which 4 met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were conducted from a US health care perspective and 1 from a Dutch societal perspective. Despite the high upfront costs of the gene therapies, all included studies' (3 hemophilia A and 1 hemophilia B) modeled results showed that gene therapies had lower overall costs and better health outcomes compared with factor concentrate replacement therapies and emicizumab. The results were driven by the assumption that gene therapies will have a durable effect of at least 10 years and offset the high cost of the current standard of care. The modeled health improvements varied substantially across studies, showing that the long-term value is sensitive to varying clinical and economic assumptions. CONCLUSIONS The novel hemophilia gene therapy treatments can potentially be a cost-effective use of treatment resources if the treatment effects are durable over time. To reduce the risk for payers while still facilitating patient access, outcomes-based agreements similar to what has recently been proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for sickle-cell therapies are well supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - John A Dougherty
- Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL
| | - Linda Beckman
- Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Mikael Svensson
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bingo M, Fukutake K, Togo K, Xu L, Alvir JMJ, Winburn I, Karumori T. Real-World Amount of Clotting Factor Products and Non-Factor Products Dispensed and Annual Medical Expenditures for Japanese Patients with Haemophilia A. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2024; 11:541-552. [PMID: 39127822 PMCID: PMC11365868 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-024-00420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for haemophilia A has expanded from plasma-derived factor VIII (pdFVIII) and standard half-life (SHL) recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) to extended half-life (EHL) rFVIII and non-factor products that mimic FVIII activity. OBJECTIVE To determine amounts of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) and emicizumab dispensed and associated healthcare expenditures in Japanese patients with haemophilia A. METHODS This retrospective, non-interventional, observational study analysed data from 2016 to 2020 from a large-scale, hospital-based administrative database. Patients had haemophilia A without inhibitors and ≥ 2 prescriptions of the same CFC or emicizumab. RESULTS In total, 974 patients with haemophilia A (median age, 30.0 years; median follow-up, 3.7 years) were included. Outpatient use of EHL rFVIII and emicizumab increased, although pdFVIII/SHL rFVIII were still used over the study. Median annual total healthcare expenditures/patient increased from ¥9,200,230 in 2016 to ¥19,748,221 in 2020. Overall, the median annual drug expenditure/patient increased from ¥8,723,120 in 2016 to ¥18,051,689 in 2020. Drug expenditure was highest with emicizumab, with an increase in median annual expenditure/patient from 2018 (n = 4, ¥26,030,206) to 2020 (n = 107, ¥45,430,408). Overall, 233 patients (23.9%) switched from an SHL to an EHL product. Although amounts of FVIII prescribed increased in the 3 months after switching, overall, there was no noticeable difference before and after switching. Median total healthcare and FVIII product expenditures increased following switching. CONCLUSIONS Prescribing of EHL products increased over the study and healthcare expenditures increased for patients who switched from SHL to EHL rFVIII products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kanae Togo
- Pfizer Japan Inc., Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg., 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Linghua Xu
- Pfizer Japan Inc., Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg., 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Toshiyuki Karumori
- Pfizer Japan Inc., Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg., 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Chernyi N, Gavrilova D, Saruhanyan M, Oloruntimehin ES, Karabelsky A, Bezsonov E, Malogolovkin A. Recent Advances in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia: Projecting the Perspectives. Biomolecules 2024; 14:854. [PMID: 39062568 PMCID: PMC11274510 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the well-known X-linked genetic disorders is hemophilia, which could be hemophilia A as a result of a mutation in the F8 (factor VIII) gene or hemophilia B as a result of a mutation in the F9 (factor IX) gene, leading to insufficient levels of the proteins essential for blood coagulation cascade. In patients with severe hemophilia, factor VIII or factor IX activities in the blood plasma are considerably low, estimated to be less than 1%. This is responsible for spontaneous or post-traumatic bleeding episodes, or both, leading to disease complications and death. Current treatment of hemophilia relies on the prevention of bleeding, which consists of expensive lifelong replacement infusion therapy of blood plasma clotting factors, their recombinant versions, or therapy with recombinant monoclonal antibodies. Recently emerged gene therapy approaches may be a potential game changer that could reshape the therapeutic outcomes of hemophilia A or B using a one-off vector in vivo delivery and aim to achieve long-term endogenous expression of factor VIII or IX. This review examines both traditional approaches to the treatment of hemophilia and modern methods, primarily focusing on gene therapy, to update knowledge in this area. Recent technological advances and gene therapeutics in the pipeline are critically reviewed and summarized. We consider gene therapy to be the most promising method as it may overcome the problems associated with more traditional treatments, such as the need for constant and expensive infusions and the presence of an immune response to the antibody drugs used to treat hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Chernyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Darina Gavrilova
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 105043, Russia
| | - Mane Saruhanyan
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Ezekiel S. Oloruntimehin
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Alexander Karabelsky
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354530, Russia
| | - Evgeny Bezsonov
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 105043, Russia
| | - Alexander Malogolovkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354530, Russia
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Kim MS, Hajducek DM, Gilbert JC, Iorio A, Jilma B, Edginton AN. Kinetic Modeling for BT200 to Predict the Level of Plasma-Derived Coagulation Factor VIII in Humans. AAPS J 2024; 26:81. [PMID: 38992298 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00952-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Lack of Factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates is one of limiting factors for Hemophilia A prophylaxis in resource-limited countries. Rondaptivon pegol (BT200) is a pegylated aptamer and has been shown to elevate the level of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and FVIII in previous studies. A population pharmacokinetic model for BT200 was built and linked to the kinetic models of VWF and FVIII based on reasonable assumptions. The developed PK/PD model for BT200 described the observed kinetic of BT200, VWF, and FVIII in healthy volunteers and patients with mild-to-moderate hemophilia A from two clinical trials. The developed model was evaluated using an external dataset in patients with severe hemophilia A taking recombinant FVIII products. The developed and evaluated PK/PD model was able to describe and predict concentration-time profiles of BT200, VWF, and FVIII in healthy volunteers and patients with hemophilia A. Concentration-time profiles of FVIII were then predicted following coadministration of plasma-derived FVIII concentrate and BT200 under various dosing scenarios in virtual patients with severe hemophilia A. Plasma-derived products, that contain VWF, are more accessible in low-resource countries as compared to their recombinant counterparts. The predicted time above 1 and 3 IU/dL FVIII in one week was compared between scenarios in the absence and presence of BT200. A combination dose of 6 mg BT200 once weekly plus 10 IU/kg plasma-derived FVIII twice weekly maintained similar coverage to a 30 IU/kg FVIII thrice weekly dose in absence of BT200, representing only 22% of the FVIII dose per week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Soo Kim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dagmar M Hajducek
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alfonso Iorio
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea N Edginton
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
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Waldron C, Ito S, Wang D, Allen C, Viswanathan G, Bona RD, Cuker A, Goshua G. Cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis with recombinant vs plasma-derived VWF in severe von Willebrand disease in the United States. Blood 2024; 143:2332-2335. [PMID: 38635764 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2024024209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis with recombinant von Willebrand factor (rVWF) vs with plasma-derived von Willebrand factor (pdVWF) for patients with severe Von Willebrand disease. We found that rVWF is a cost-saving factor replacement compared with pdVWF across all willingness-to-pay thresholds in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satoko Ito
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Cecily Allen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Robert D Bona
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Adam Cuker
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - George Goshua
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
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Hirniak S, Edginton AN, Iorio A, Alsabbagh MW, Hajducek DM, Wong WW. Health utilities in adults with hemophilia A: A retrospective cohort study. Haemophilia 2024; 30:733-742. [PMID: 38506967 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Haemophilia A negatively affects a patient's quality of life. There is a limited amount of health utility data (a measure of health-related quality of life) available for patients with haemophilia A. This information is crucial for cost-effectiveness analysis for haemophilia A treatment. OBJECTIVES The goal of this project is to elicit the health utilities and factors impacting utility values for haemophilia A patients in Canada. METHODS This is a population-based, cross-sectional, retrospective study of health utilities in patients with haemophilia A using Patient Report Outcomes Burdens and Experiences (PROBE) components from the Canadian Bleeding Disorders Registry (CBDR). A review of the mean utilities for three severity states, defined by clotting factor VIII level, was completed. A multiple linear regression analysis was completed to examine the determinants of health utilities including age, treatment type, chronic pain status, number of limited joints, and bleed rate. RESULTS The average utility values (and standard deviations) for patients with haemophilia A in Canada are .79(.17), .76(.20), and .77(.19) for patients with severe, moderate, and mild haemophilia. The regression showed chronic pain status and the number of additional comorbidities as major significant factors (p-value < .001) in haemophilia A utility. Haemophilia severity was shown to be a major factor with smaller p-value (p-value < .05). CONCLUSIONS Haemophilia A patients have lower utility than the general population. Chronic pain was shown to be a significant, major factor in health-related quality of life. Our study is essential for valuing health outcomes in haemophilia A-related cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Hirniak
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea N Edginton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Alfonso Iorio
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mhd Wasem Alsabbagh
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Dagmar M Hajducek
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - William Wl Wong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
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Bala NS, Thornburg CD. Gene Therapy in Hemophilia A: Achievements, Challenges, and Perspectives. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024. [PMID: 38588706 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Strides in advancements of care of persons with hemophilia include development of long-acting factor replacement therapies, novel substitution and hemostatic rebalancing agents, and most recently approved gene therapy. Several decades of preclinical and clinical trials have led to development of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer for endogenous production of factor VIII (FVIII) in hemophilia A (HA). Only one gene therapy product for HA (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) has been approved by regulatory authorities. Results of valoctocogene roxaparvovec trial show significant improvement in bleeding rates and use of factor replacement therapy; however, sustainability and duration of response show variability with overall decline in FVIII expression over time. Further challenges include untoward adverse effects involving liver toxicity requiring immunosuppression and development of neutralizing antibodies to AAV vector rendering future doses ineffective. Real-life applicability of gene therapy for HA will require appropriate patient screening, infrastructure setup, long-term monitoring including data collection of patient-reported outcomes and innovative payment schemes. This review article highlights the success and development of HA gene therapy trials, challenges including adverse outcomes and variability of response, and perspectives on approach to gene therapy including shared decision-making and need for future strategies to overcome the several unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha S Bala
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, San Diego, California
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Courtney D Thornburg
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, San Diego, California
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
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Abdulla Alzahrani H, Warsi A, Mullah-Ali A, Alotaibi G, Abu-Riash M, Alshahrani M, Siddiqui M, Owaidah T, Hashmi S. Consensus-Based Expert Recommendations on the Management of Hemophilia A in the Gulf Region. Acta Haematol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38565097 DOI: 10.1159/000538400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemophilia A presents a significant health challenge in the Gulf region, where it has an especially high prevalence. There are several unmet needs associated with the management of hemophilia A in the region. The aim of this manuscript was to contextualize unmet management needs, provide recommendations to optimize care, and specify requirements for the establishment of gene therapy centers in the region. SUMMARY An expert panel was assembled comprising ten clinical hematologists from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain a consensus on statements relating to several aspects of hemophilia A. A consensus was reached for all statements by means of an online, anonymized voting system. The consensus statements pertain to screening and diagnosis, treatment approaches, and requirements for the implementation of gene therapy. KEY MESSAGES There are significant challenges that hinder the optimal management of hemophilia A in the Gulf region. The consensus statements presented provide specific recommendations to improve diagnostic and treatment approaches, promote multidisciplinary care, and optimize regional data generation and reporting. These statements also delineate the requirements for the establishment of gene therapy centers for hemophilia A in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazzaa Abdulla Alzahrani
- Consultant Hematology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Warsi
- Department of Oncology, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mullah-Ali
- Consultant Pediatric Hematology, National Bank of Kuwait Specialized Hospital for Children, Shuwaikh Industrial, Kuwait
| | - Ghazi Alotaibi
- Department of Medicine (Oncology Center), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Abu-Riash
- Senior Clinical Specialist Hematology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alshahrani
- Consultant Pediatric Hematology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustaqeem Siddiqui
- Consultant Hematology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tarek Owaidah
- Consultant Hemato-Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahrukh Hashmi
- Consultant Hematology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Zemplenyi A, Leonard J, DiStefano MJ, Anderson KE, Wright GC, Mendola ND, Nair K, McQueen RB. Using Real-World Data to Inform Value-Based Contracts for Cell and Gene Therapies in Medicaid. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2024; 42:319-328. [PMID: 37989969 PMCID: PMC10861602 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High upfront costs and long-term benefit uncertainties of gene therapies challenge Medicaid budgets, making value-based contracts a potential solution. However, value-based contract design is hindered by cost-offset uncertainty. The aim of this study is to determine actual cost-offsets for valoctocogene roxaparvovec (hemophilia A) and etranacogene dezaparvovec (hemophilia B) from Colorado Medicaid's perspective, defining payback periods and its uncertainty from the perspective of Colorado Medicaid. METHODS This cost analysis used 2018-2022 data from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to determine standard-of-care costs and employed cost simulation models to estimate the cost of Medicaid if patients switched to gene therapy versus if they did not. Data encompassed medical and pharmacy expenses of Colorado Medicaid enrollees. Identified cohorts were patients aged 18+ with ICD-10-CM codes D66 (hemophilia A) and D67 (hemophilia B). Severe hemophilia A required ≥ 6 claims per year for factor therapies or emicizumab, while moderate/severe hemophilia B necessitated ≥ 4 claims per year for factor therapies. Patients were included in the cohort in the year they first met the criteria and were subsequently retained in the cohort for the duration of the observation period. Standard-of-care included factor VIII replacement therapy/emicizumab for hemophilia A and factor IX replacement therapies for hemophilia B. Simulated patients received valoctocogene roxaparvovec or etranacogene dezaparvovec. Main measures were annual standard-of-care costs, cost offset, and breakeven time when using gene therapies. RESULTS Colorado Medicaid's standard-of-care costs for hemophilia A and B were $426,000 [standard deviation (SD) $353,000] and $546,000 (SD $542,000) annually, respectively. Substituting standard-of-care with gene therapy for eligible patients yielded 8-year and 6-year average breakeven times, using real-world costs, compared with 5 years with published economic evaluation costs. Substantial variability in real-world standard-of-care costs resulted in a 48% and 59% probability of breakeven within 10 years for hemophilia A and B, respectively. Altering eligibility criteria significantly influenced breakeven time. CONCLUSIONS Real-world data indicates substantial uncertainty and extended payback periods for gene therapy costs. Utilizing real-world data, Medicaid can negotiate value-based contracts to manage budget fluctuations, share risk with manufacturers, and enhance patient access to innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antal Zemplenyi
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Center for Health Technology Assessment and Pharmacoeconomic Research, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - Jim Leonard
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Michael J DiStefano
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelly E Anderson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Garth C Wright
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas D Mendola
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kavita Nair
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - R Brett McQueen
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Grabowska K, Grzelak M, Zhao LY, Płuciennik E, Pasieka Z, Kciuk M, Gielecińska A, Smakosz AK, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kołat D. Emicizumab as a Promising Form of Therapy for Type A Hemophilia - A Review of Current Knowledge from Clinical Trials. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:719-737. [PMID: 38797909 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037294674240509094418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Hemophilia is a plasma bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of certain blood clotting factors. The most common forms of this disease, i.e., type A and type B, affect approximately 400,000 people worldwide. Without appropriate treatment ensuring the proper coagulation cascade, this disease may lead to serious disability. Minimizing patient discomfort is possible via replacement therapy, consisting of the substitution of a missing coagulation factor via intravenous administration. Frequent medication and the risk related to factor inhibitors are significant disadvantages, necessitating the improvement of current therapies or the development of novel ones. This review examines the humanized bispecific antibody Emicizumab which ensures hemostasis by mimicking the action of the coagulation factor VIII, a deficiency of which causes type A hemophilia. The paper outlines the topic and then summarizes available clinical trials on Emicizumab in type A hemophilia. Several interventional clinical trials have found Emicizumab to be effective in decreasing bleeding episodes and raising patient satisfaction among various hemophilia A populations. Current Emicizumab-related trials are forecast to be completed between 2024 and 2030, and in addition to congenital hemophilia A, the trials cover acquired hemophilia A and patients playing sports. Providing a more comprehensive understanding of Emicizumab may revolutionize the management of hemophilia type A and improve quality of life. Conclusively, Emicizumab is a gentler therapy owing to subcutaneous delivery and fewer injections, which reduces injection-site reactions and makes therapy less burdensome, ultimately decreasing hospital visits and indirect costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Grabowska
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michalina Grzelak
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Lin-Yong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery & Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Pasieka
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Narutowicza 60, 90-136, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kciuk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Adrianna Gielecińska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksander K Smakosz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Narutowicza 60, 90-136, Lodz, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Narutowicza 60, 90-136, Lodz, Poland
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Fukutake K, Togo K, Xu L, Markson LE, Alvir JMJ, Winburn I, Karumori T. Real-World Amount of Clotting Factor Concentrates Dispensed and Annual Medical Expenditures for Japanese Patients with Hemophilia B. J Blood Med 2023; 14:649-661. [PMID: 38143791 PMCID: PMC10749097 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s418818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Until extended half-life (EHL) factor IX (FIX) concentrates became available in Japan in 2010, patients with hemophilia B received intravenous FIX replacement therapy with standard half-life (SHL) FIX concentrates. Purpose To investigate the amount of factor dispensed and the associated medical expenditures for the treatment of hemophilia B in the real-world clinical setting in Japan. Methods This retrospective study comprised patients with hemophilia B (N=197) who had filled prescriptions for FIX concentrates reported in Japan's Medical Data Vision database from 2015 to 2019. Patients were included if they had 2 or more prescriptions for the same FIX concentrates within the first 6 months of the study period and the interval between prescriptions was at least 2 weeks. Results Since 2015, there was a decrease in the proportion of patients using SHL FIX concentrates and a corresponding increase in international units of dispensed EHL FIX concentrates. Median annualized dispensed dosages (IU/kg body weight) of EHL FIX concentrates were lower than for SHL concentrates for outpatient use only. Annual total health care expenditures per patient and annual expenditures for prescribed FIX concentrates increased each year during the study period. Following a switch from an SHL to an EHL concentrate, the median amount of prescribed FIX concentrate decreased slightly, although median total health care expenditures and FIX concentrate expenditures increased. Conclusion In the real-world setting in Japan, medical expenditures and the proportion of patients prescribed EHL FIX concentrates for the treatment of hemophilia B have increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyuki Fukutake
- Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Blood Coagulation Diseases, Ogikubo Hospital, Suginami, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Togo
- Pfizer Japan Inc, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Linghua Xu
- Pfizer Japan Inc, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Marshall DA, Gerber B, Lorenzetti DL, MacDonald KV, Bohach RJ, Currie GR. Are We Capturing the Socioeconomic Burden of Rare Genetic Disease? A Scoping Review of Economic Evaluations and Cost-of-Illness Studies. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:1563-1588. [PMID: 37594668 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01308-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Rare diseases have a significant impact on patients, families, the health system, and society. Measuring the socioeconomic burden is crucial to valuing interventions for rare diseases. Healthcare system costs are significant, but so are costs to other government sectors, patients, families, and society. To understand the breadth of costs captured in rare disease studies, we examined the cost categories and elements of socioeconomic burden captured in published studies. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using five electronic databases to identify English language economic evaluations and cost-of-illness studies of interventions for rare diseases (2011-21). We mapped costs using a previously developed evidence-informed framework of socioeconomic burden costs for rare disease. RESULTS Of 4890 studies identified, 48 economic evaluations and 22 cost-of-illness studies were included. While 18/22 cost-of-illness studies utilized a societal perspective, only 7/48 economic evaluations incorporated societal costs. Most reported cost categories related to medical costs, with medication and hospitalizations being the most common elements for both study designs. Costs borne by patients, families, and society were reported less among economic evaluations than cost-of-illness studies. These included: productivity (10% vs 77%), travel/accommodation (6% vs 68%), government benefits (4% vs 18%), and family impacts (0% vs 50%). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to cost-of-illness analyses, most of the included economic evaluations did not account for the hidden burden of rare diseases, that is, costs borne by patients, families, and societies. Including these types of costs in future studies would provide a more comprehensive picture of the burden of disease, providing empirical data to inform how we value and make decisions regarding rare disease interventions, health policy, and resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brittany Gerber
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Diane L Lorenzetti
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Health Sciences Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Karen V MacDonald
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Riley Jewel Bohach
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gillian R Currie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Room 3C56, Health Research Innovation Centre, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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13
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Gavan SP, Wright SJ, Thistlethwaite F, Payne K. Capturing the Impact of Constraints on the Cost-Effectiveness of Cell and Gene Therapies: A Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:675-692. [PMID: 36905571 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decision-makers need to resolve constraints on delivering cell and gene therapies to patients as these treatments move into routine care. This study aimed to investigate if, and how, constraints that affect the expected cost and health consequences of cell and gene therapies have been included in published examples of cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs). METHOD A systematic review identified CEAs of cell and gene therapies. Studies were identified from previous systematic reviews and by searching Medline and Embase until 21 January 2022. Constraints described qualitatively were categorised by theme and summarised by a narrative synthesis. Constraints evaluated in quantitative scenario analyses were appraised by whether they changed the decision to recommend treatment. RESULTS Thirty-two CEAs of cell (n = 20) and gene therapies (n = 12) were included. Twenty-one studies described constraints qualitatively (70% cell therapy CEAs; 58% gene therapy CEAs). Qualitative constraints were categorised by four themes: single payment models; long-term affordability; delivery by providers; manufacturing capability. Thirteen studies assessed constraints quantitatively (60% cell therapy CEAs; 8% gene therapy CEAs). Two types of constraint were assessed quantitatively across four jurisdictions (USA, Canada, Singapore, The Netherlands): alternatives to single payment models (n = 9 scenario analyses); improving manufacturing (n = 12 scenario analyses). The impact on decision-making was determined by whether the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios crossed a relevant cost-effectiveness threshold for each jurisdiction (outcome-based payment models: n = 25 threshold comparisons made, 28% decisions changed; improving manufacturing: n = 24 threshold comparisons made, 4% decisions changed). CONCLUSION The net health impact of constraints is vital evidence to help decision-makers scale up the delivery of cell and gene therapies as patient volume increases and more advanced therapy medicinal products are launched. CEAs will be essential to quantify how constraints affect the cost-effectiveness of care, prioritise constraints to be resolved, and establish the value of strategies to implement cell and gene therapies by accounting for their health opportunity cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Gavan
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Stuart J Wright
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Fiona Thistlethwaite
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Katherine Payne
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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14
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Mattar CNZ, Chan JKY, Choolani M. Gene modification therapies for hereditary diseases in the fetus. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:674-686. [PMID: 36965009 PMCID: PMC10946994 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Proof-of-principle disease models have demonstrated the feasibility of an intrauterine gene modification therapy (in utero gene therapy (IUGT)) approach to hereditary diseases as diverse as coagulation disorders, haemoglobinopathies, neurogenetic disorders, congenital metabolic, and pulmonary diseases. Gene addition, which requires the delivery of an integrating or episomal transgene to the target cell nucleus to be transcribed, and gene editing, where the mutation is corrected within the gene of origin, have both been used successfully to increase normal protein production in a bid to reverse or arrest pathology in utero. While most experimental models have employed lentiviral, adenoviral, and adeno-associated viral vectors engineered to efficiently enter target cells, newer models have also demonstrated the applicability of non-viral lipid nanoparticles. Amelioration of pathology is dependent primarily on achieving sustained therapeutic transgene expression, silencing of transgene expression, production of neutralising antibodies, the dilutional effect of the recipient's growth on the mass of transduced cells, and the degree of pre-existing cellular damage. Safety assessment of any IUGT strategy will require long-term postnatal surveillance of both the fetal recipient and the maternal bystander for cell and genome toxicity, oncogenic potential, immune-responsiveness, and germline mutation. In this review, we discuss advances in the field and the push toward clinical translation of IUGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citra N. Z. Mattar
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- National University Health SystemsSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jerry K. Y. Chan
- KK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- National University Health SystemsSingaporeSingapore
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15
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Yu JK, Wong WWL, Keepanasseril A, Iorio A, Edginton AN. Cost-utility analysis of emicizumab for the treatment of severe hemophilia A patients in Canada. Haemophilia 2023; 29:488-497. [PMID: 36528890 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION EHL FVIII products and emicizumab provide clinicians with other prophylactic options for treating hemophilia A, however, it is unclear if emicizumab is a cost-saving option. The objective of this study is to estimate the health and economic effects of using prophylactic EHL FVIII, SHL FVIII, and emicizumab in severe haemophilia A patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A state-transition Markov model evaluated the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic SHL FVIII, EHL FVIII, and emicizumab in a cohort of 2-year-old male patients over a lifetime horizon in the form of a cost-utility analysis using a Canadian provincial ministry of health payer perspective. The transition probabilities, costs, and utilities were obtained from literature and the Canadian Bleeding Disorders Registry. Probabilistic sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model. RESULTS The base-case analysis, over a lifetime horizon, resulted in a total cost and utilities per person for SHL FVIII, EHL FVIII, and emicizumab of $27.2 million (M), $36.7 M, and $26.2 M, respectively, and 31.30, 31.16, and 31.61 quality-adjusted life years, respectively. Emicizumab treatment resulted in 29 and 16 less bleeds in a lifetime compared to SHL FVIII and EHL FVIII, respectively. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that emicizumab was cost-saving 100% of the time compared to SHL FVIII and EHL FVIII. CONCLUSION The cost-utility analysis showed that emicizumab is more effective and may be less costly than FVIII for Canadian haemophilia A patients, conditional on drug cost assumptions. Our model indicates that emicizumab may be a potentially favourable treatment option for minimising healthcare costs and providing higher effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky K Yu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - William W L Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arun Keepanasseril
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfonso Iorio
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.,McMaster-Bayer Endowed Research Chair for Clinical Epidemiology of Congenital Bleeding Disorders, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea N Edginton
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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16
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The ethics of gene therapy for hemophilia: a narrative review. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:413-420. [PMID: 36696181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2022.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is expected to become a promising treatment, and potentially even a cure, for hemophilia. After several years of research, the first gene therapy product has been granted conditional market authorization by the European Union in August 2022. The recent progress in the field also has implications on the ethical aspects of hemophilia gene therapy. Reviews conducted in the 2000s mainly identified questions on the ethics of conducting early-phase clinical trials. However, since then, the knowledge on safety and efficacy has improved, and the field has moved toward clinical application, a phase that has its own ethical aspects. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review to take stock of the ethical aspects of hemophilia gene therapy. Based on our analysis of the literature, we identified 3 ethical themes. The theme Living up to expectations describes the existing hopes for gene therapy and the unlikelihood of the currently approved product becoming a permanent cure. In the theme Psychosocial impacts, we discuss the fear that gene therapy will impact the identity of people with hemophilia and their need for psychosocial support. The theme Costs and access discusses the expected cost-effectiveness of gene therapy and its implications on accessibility worldwide. We conclude that it may be necessary to change the narratives surrounding gene therapy, from describing it as a cure to describing it as one of the many treatments that temporarily relieve symptoms and that there is a need to reevaluate the desirability of gene therapy for hemophilia, given the availability of other treatments.
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17
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Di Minno G, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Brunetti-Pierri N, Pastore L, Castaldo G, Trama U, Di Minno M. Progress, and prospects in the therapeutic armamentarium of persons with congenital hemophilia. Defining the place for liver-directed gene therapy. Blood Rev 2023; 58:101011. [PMID: 36031462 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In persons with congenital severe hemophilia A (HA) living in high-income countries, twice weekly intravenous infusions of extended half-life (EHL) factor VIII (FVIII) products, or weekly/biweekly/monthly subcutaneous injections of emicizumab are the gold standard home treatments to grant days without hurdles and limitations. Once weekly/twice monthly infusions of EHL Factor IX (FIX) products achieve the same target in severe hemophilia B (HB). Gene therapy, which is likely to be licensed for clinical use within 1-2 years, embodies a shift beyond these standards. At an individual patient level, a single functional gene transfer leads to a > 10-yr almost full correction of the hemostatic defect in HB and to a sustained (3-6-yrs) expression of FVIII sufficient to discontinue exogenous clotting factor administrations. At the doses employed, the limited liver toxicity of systemically infused recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is documented by long-term (12-15 yrs) follow-ups, and pre-existing high-titer neutralizing antibodies to the AAV5 vector are no longer an exclusion criterion for effective transgene expression with this vector. A safe durable treatment that converts a challenging illness to a phenotypically curable disease, allows persons to feel virtually free from the fears and the obligations of hemophilia for years/decades. Along with patient organizations and health care professionals, communicating to government authorities and reimbursement agencies the liberating potential of this substantial innovation, and disseminating across the Centers updated information on benefits and risks of this strategy, will align expectations of different stakeholders and establish the notion of a potentially lifelong cure of hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Foundation University Hospital A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Dept of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Italy.
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Ugo Trama
- Coordination of the Regional Health System, General Directorate for Health Protection, Naples, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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18
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Pipe SW, Arruda VR, Lange C, Kitchen S, Eichler H, Wadsworth S. Characteristics of BAY 2599023 in the Current Treatment Landscape of Hemophilia A Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:81-95. [PMID: 36111754 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220914105729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hemophilia A, a single gene disorder leading to deficient Factor VIII (FVIII), is a suitable candidate for gene therapy. The aspiration is for single administration of a genetic therapy that would allow the production of endogenous FVIII sufficient to restore hemostasis and other biological processes. This would potentially result in reliable protection from bleeding and its associated physical and emotional impacts. Gene therapy offers the possibility of a clinically relevant improvement in disease phenotype and transformational improvement in quality of life, including an opportunity to engage in physical activities more confidently. Gene therapy products for hemophilia A in advanced clinical development use adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and a codon-optimized B-domain deleted FVIII transgene. However, the different AAV-based gene therapies have distinct design features, such as choice of vector capsid, enhancer and promoter regions, FVIII transgene sequence and manufacturing processes. These, in turn, impact patient eligibility, safety and efficacy. Ideally, gene therapy technology for hemophilia A should offer bleed protection, durable FVIII expression, broad eligibility and limited response variability between patients, and long-term safety. However, several limitations and challenges must be overcome. Here, we introduce the characteristics of the BAY 2599023 (AAVhu37.hFVIIIco, DTX 201) gene therapy product, including the low prevalence in the general population of anti-AAV-hu37 antibodies, as well as other gene therapy AAV products and approaches. We will examine how these can potentially meet the challenges of gene therapy, with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of patients with hemophilia A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Pipe
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Valder R Arruda
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Cell and Molecular Therapeutics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Stephen Kitchen
- Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hermann Eichler
- Institute of Clinical Hemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, Saarland University and University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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19
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Olry de Labry-Lima A, Ponce-Polo A, García-Mochón L, Ortega-Ortega M, Pérez-Troncoso D, Epstein D. Challenges for Economic Evaluations of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: A Systematic Review. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:138-150. [PMID: 36031480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are drugs for human use for the treatment of chronic, degenerative, or life-threatening diseases that are based on genes, tissues, or cells. This article aimed to identify and critically review published economic analyses of ATMPs. METHODS A systematic review of economic analyses of ATMPs was undertaken. Study characteristics, design, sources of data, resources and unit costs, modeling and extrapolation methods, study results, and sensitivity analyses were assessed. RESULTS A total of 46 economic analyses of ATMP (from 45 articles) were included; 4 were cell therapy medicinal products, 33 gene therapy medicinal products, and 9 tissue-engineered products. 30 therapies had commercial marketing approval; 39 studies were cost-utility analysis, 5 were cost-effectiveness analysis, and 2 were cost only studies. Four studies predicted that the ATMP offered a step change in the management of the condition and 10 studies estimated that the ATMP would offer a lower mean cost. CONCLUSIONS Comparison with historical controls, pooling of data, and use of techniques such as mixture cure fraction models should be used cautiously. Sensitivity analyses should be used across a plausible range of prices. Clinical studies need to be designed to align with health technology assessment requirements, including generic quality of life, and payers should aim for clarity of criteria. Regulators and national payers should aim for compatibility of registers to allow interchange of data. Given the increasing reliance on industry-funded economic analyses, careful critical review is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olry de Labry-Lima
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs, Granada, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología and Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Angela Ponce-Polo
- Andalusian Network for the Design & Translation of Advanced Therapies, Sevilla, Spain.
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20
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Yamaguti-Hayakawa GG, Ozelo MC. Gene therapy for hemophilia: looking beyond factor expression. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:2223-2232. [PMID: 36691324 PMCID: PMC9899988 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221147565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (factor VIII [FVIII] deficiency) and hemophilia B (factor IX [FIX] deficiency) are the X-linked recessive bleeding disorders that clinically manifest with recurrent bleeding, predominantly into muscles and joints. In its severe presentation, when factor activity is less than 1% of normal, hemophilia presents with spontaneous musculoskeletal bleeds and may progress to debilitating chronic arthropathy. Management of hemophilia has changed profoundly in the past decades. From on-demand to prophylactic factor concentrate replacement, the treatment goal shifted from controlling bleeds to preventing bleeds and improving quality of life. In this new scenario, gene therapy has arisen as a paradigm-changing therapeutic option, a one-time treatment with the potential to achieve sustained coagulation FVIII or FIX expression even within the normal range. This review discusses the critical impact of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer in hemophilia care, including the recent clinical outcomes, changes in disease perceptions, and its treatment burden. We also discuss the challenging scenario of the AAV-directed immune response in the clinical setting and potential strategies to improve the long-lasting efficacy of hemophilia gene therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela G Yamaguti-Hayakawa
- Department of Internal Medicine,
School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas
13083-878, Brazil,Hemocentro UNICAMP, University of
Campinas, Campinas 13083-878, Brazil
| | - Margareth C Ozelo
- Department of Internal Medicine,
School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas
13083-878, Brazil,Hemocentro UNICAMP, University of
Campinas, Campinas 13083-878, Brazil,Margareth C Ozelo.
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21
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Bolous NS, Bhatt N, Bhakta N, Neufeld EJ, Davidoff AM, Reiss UM. Gene Therapy and Hemophilia: Where Do We Go from Here? J Blood Med 2022; 13:559-580. [PMID: 36226233 PMCID: PMC9550170 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s371438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemophilia using adeno-associated virus (AAV) derived vectors can reduce or eliminate patients' disease-related complications and improve their quality of life. Broad implementation globally will lead to societal gains and foster health equity. Several vector products each for factor IX (FIX) or factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency are in advanced clinical development. Safety data are reassuring. Efficacy data for up to 8 and 5 years, respectively, vary considerably among vector types and among individuals, but indicate significant reduction in bleeds and factor use. Products will soon be approved for marketing. This review highlights the relevant considerations for implementation of hemophilia gene therapy, specifically across a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds globally, based on recent publications and our own experience. We address the current efficacy and safety data and relevant aspects of vector immunology. We then discuss pertinent implementation steps including pre-implementation and readiness assessments, considerations on cost, cost-effectiveness and payment models, approaches to education and informed consent, and the operational needs as well as the need for monitoring of health outcomes and implementation outcomes. To prevent a lag or complete lack of establishing access to this life-changing therapy option for all patients with hemophilia worldwide, adaptable pathways supported by collaborative and international efforts of all stakeholders are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy S Bolous
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA,Correspondence: Nancy S Bolous, Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 721, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA, Tel +1 901 595 1968, Fax +1 901 595 5319, Email
| | - Nidhi Bhatt
- Department of Hematology – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ellis J Neufeld
- Department of Hematology – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ulrike M Reiss
- Department of Hematology – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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22
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Shoti J, Qing K, Srivastava A. Development of an AAV DNA-based synthetic vector for the potential gene therapy of hemophilia in children. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1033615. [PMID: 36274690 PMCID: PMC9583144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1033615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant AAV serotype vectors and their variants have been or are currently being used for gene therapy for hemophilia in several phase I/II/III clinical trials in humans. However, none of these trials have included children with hemophilia since the traditional liver-directed AAV gene therapy will not work in these patients because of the following reasons: (i) Up until age 10–12, the liver is still growing and dividing, and with every cell division, the AAV vector genomes will be diluted out due to their episomal nature; and (ii) Repeated gene delivery will be needed, but repeat dosing, even with an ideal AAV vector is not an option because of pre-existing antibodies to AAV vectors following the first administration. Here we describe the development of an optimized human Factor IX (hF.IX) gene expression cassette under the control of a human liver-specific transthyretin promoter covalently flanked by AAV inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) with no open ends (optNE-TTR-hF.IX), which mediated ~sixfold higher hF.IX levels than that from a linear TTR-hF.IX DNA construct in human hepatoma cells up to four-weeks post-transfection. In future studies, encapsidation of the optNE-TTR-hF.IX DNA in liver-targeted synthetic liposomes, may provide a viable approach for the potential gene therapy for hemophilia in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Shoti
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Keyun Qing
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Arun Srivastava,
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23
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Kavaklı K, Antmen B, Okan V, Şahin F, Aytaç S, Balkan C, Berber E, Kaya Z, Küpesiz A, Zülfikar B. Gene therapy in haemophilia: literature review and regional perspectives for Turkey. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221104591. [PMID: 35898436 PMCID: PMC9310332 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221104591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemophilia is an X-linked lifelong congenital bleeding disorder that is caused by insufficient levels of factor VIII (FVIII; haemophilia A) or factor IX (FIX; haemophilia B) and characterized by spontaneous and trauma-related bleeding episodes. The cornerstone of the treatment, factor replacement, constitutes several difficulties, including frequent injections due to the short half-life of recombinant factors, intravenous administration and the risk of inhibitor development. While extended half-life factors and subcutaneous novel molecules enhanced the quality of life, initial successes with gene therapy offer a significant hope for cure. Although adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based gene therapy is one of the most emerging approaches for treatment of haemophilia, there are still challenges in vector immunogenicity, potency and efficacy, genotoxicity and persistence. As the approval for the first gene therapy product is coming closer, eligibility criteria for patient selection, multidisciplinary approach for optimal delivery and follow-up and development of new pricing policies and reimbursement models should be concerned. Therefore, this review addresses the unmet needs of current haemophilia treatment and explains the rationale and principles of gene therapy. Limitations and challenges are discussed from a global and national perspective and recommendations are provided to adopt the gene therapies faster and more sufficient for the haemophilia patients in developing countries like Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Kavaklı
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Bülent Antmen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Acıbadem Adana Hospital, Adana, Turkey
| | - Vahap Okan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Diseases, Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Fahri Şahin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Diseases, Ege Adult Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Selin Aytaç
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Balkan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ergül Berber
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul Arel University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Zühre Kaya
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alphan Küpesiz
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bülent Zülfikar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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24
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ten Ham RM, Walker SM, Soares MO, Frederix GW, Leebeek FW, Fischer K, Coppens M, Palmer SJ. Modeling Benefits, Costs, and Affordability of a Novel Gene Therapy in Hemophilia A. Hemasphere 2022; 6:e679. [PMID: 35141470 PMCID: PMC8820916 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective was to undertake an early cost-effectiveness assessment of valoctocogene roxaparvovec (valrox; Roctavian) compared to factor (F)VIII prophylaxis or emicizumab (Hemlibra; Roche HQ, Bazel, Switzerland) in patients with severe Hemophilia A (HA) without FVIII-antibodies. We also aimed to incorporate and quantify novel measures of value such as treatment durability, maximum value-based price (MVBP) and break-even time (ie, time until benefits begin to offset upfront payment). We constructed a Markov model to model bleeds over time which were linked to costs and quality-of-life decrements. In the valrox arm, FVIII over time was estimated combining initial effect and treatment waning and then linked to bleeds. In FVIII and emicizumab arms, bleeds were based on trial evidence. Evidence and assumptions were validated using expert elicitation. Model robustness was tested via sensitivity analyses. A Dutch societal perspective was applied with a 10-year time horizon. Valrox in comparison to FVIII, and emicizumab showed small increases in quality-adjusted life years at lower costs, and were therefore dominant. Valrox' base case MVBP was estimated at €2.65 million/treatment compared to FVIII and €3.5 million/treatment versus emicizumab. Mean break-even time was 8.03 years compared to FVIII and 5.68 years to emicizumab. Early modeling of patients with HA in The Netherlands treated with valrox resulted in estimated improved health and lower cost compared to prophylactic FVIII and emicizumab. We also demonstrated feasibility of incorporation of treatment durability and novel outcomes such as value-based pricing scenarios and break-even time. Future work should aim to better characterize uncertainties and increase translation of early modeling to direct research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske M.T. ten Ham
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), The Netherlands
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Simon M. Walker
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Marta O. Soares
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Geert W.J. Frederix
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), The Netherlands
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Frank W.G. Leebeek
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathelijn Fischer
- Division Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel Coppens
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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25
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O'Hara J, Neumann PJ. Health technology assessment for gene therapies in haemophilia. Haemophilia 2022; 28 Suppl 2:19-26. [DOI: 10.1111/hae.14413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O'Hara
- HCD Economics Daresbury UK
- University of Chester Chester UK
| | - Peter J. Neumann
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Centre Boston Massachusetts USA
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26
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Goodman C, Berntorp E, Wong O. Alternative payment models for durable and potentially curative therapies: The case of gene therapy for haemophilia A. Haemophilia 2022; 28 Suppl 2:27-34. [DOI: 10.1111/hae.14425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Berntorp
- Clinical Coagulation Research Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University Malmö Sweden
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27
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Qiu T, Pochopień M, Hanna E, Liang S, Wang Y, Han R, Toumi M, Aballéa S. Challenges in the market access of regenerative medicines, and implications for manufacturers and decision-makers: a systematic review. Regen Med 2022; 17:119-139. [PMID: 35042424 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Regenerative medicines (RMs) are expected to transform the treatment paradigm of rare, life-threatening diseases, while substantial challenges impede its market access. This study aimed to present these challenges. Materials & methods: Publications identified in the Medline and Embase databases until December 2020 were included. Results: Uncertainties around the relative effectiveness and long-term benefits of RMs are most scrutinized. A new reference case for RMs is questionable, but examining impacts of study perspective, time horizon, discount rate and extrapolation methods on estimates is advised. Establishing reasonable prices of RMs requires increased transparency in the development costs and better values measurements. Outcome-based payments require considerable investments and potential legislative adjustments. Conclusion: Greater flexibility for health technology assessment and economic analyses of RMs is necessary. This comprehensive review may prompt more multi-stakeholder conversations to discuss the optimized strategy for value assessment, pricing and payment in order to accelerate the market access of RMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiu
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Michał Pochopień
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Creativ-Ceutical, 215, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
| | - Eve Hanna
- Creativ-Ceutical, 215, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
| | - Shuyao Liang
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Ru Han
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Aballéa
- Creativ-Ceutical, 215, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
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28
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Thornburg CD, Adamski K, Cook K, Vembusubramanian M, Sendhil SR, Hinds D, Chen E, Sammon J, Solari P, Garrison LP, Croteau SE. Health care costs and resource utilization among commercially insured adult patients with hemophilia A managed with FVIII prophylaxis in the United States. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2021; 28:449-460. [PMID: 34958235 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.21368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Standard of care for patients with severe hemophilia A (HA) is life-long prophylaxis with factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate or other hemostatic agents. Published literature highlights a wide range of treatment costs for patients with HA. OBJECTIVE: To estimate average annual health care costs and resource utilization for a cross-section of adult patients managed with FVIII concentrate prophylaxis using recent data from a large US commercial claims database. METHODS: Adult males with 1 or more claim with HA diagnosis, continuous commercial plan enrollment, and 4 or more FVIII prescription dispenses during 12 months were identified from IBM MarketScan Research Database from January 2013 to September 2019, excluding those with FVIII inhibitors, an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, or diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis B or C. Patients were classified as using FVIII prophylaxis if they met any of the following definitions: (1) 6 or more FVIII dispenses, (2) a gap of 60 days or less between dispenses, and (3) at least 273 days supply in the 12-month period. Additionally, subgroups of patients meeting each individual definition were examined, with some patients included in all 3 subgroups. RESULTS: The overall cohort included 411 patients who met 1 or more of the 3 definitions, with a mean age of 28.9 years. Subgroups of 401, 325, and 237 patients met the first, second, and third FVIII prophylaxis definitions, respectively. Per-patient mean (SD) annual all-cause health care costs were $654,571 ($380,762) in the overall cohort and ranged from $650,065 ($382,196) to $759,661 ($387,040) among subgroups. Cost of FVIII concentrate accounted for more than 96% of total costs in the overall cohort and in each subgroup. Cost of FVIII in the overall cohort varied according to type of concentrate, with the highest among patients who were treated with both standard and extended half-life (SHL and EHL) FVIII ($784,945), followed by EHL FVIII only ($708,928), SHL FVIII only ($647,800), and plasma-derived FVIII ($535,614). The most common treatment type was SHL FVIII only (45.7% of all patients). In the overall cohort, the majority had 1 or more outpatient visits (94.9%), while emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and home health visits occurred less frequently (27.0%, 7.1%, and 7.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Commercially insured patients with HA incur substantial all-cause annual health care costs, with FVIII concentrate accounting for a majority of costs. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., which was involved in the protocol development, analysis plan development, data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and publication decisions. All authors contributed to protocol development, analysis plan development, data interpretation, and manuscript development and maintained control over the final content. Thornburg has received professional fees from BioMarin Pharmaceutical, CSL Behring, Genentech, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi Genzyme, HEMA Biologics, and Spark Therapeutics and institutional research funding from BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi Genzyme. Adamski, Cook, and Sendhil are employees of Analysis Group, a consulting company that was contracted by BioMarin Pharmaceutical to conduct this study and develop the manuscript. Vembusubramanian is a former employee of Analysis Group. Hinds, Chen, and Sammon are employees and shareholders of BioMarin Pharmaceutical. Solari is a former employee of BioMarin Pharmaceutical. Garrison has received consulting fees from BioMarin Pharmaceutical and Analysis Group. Croteau has received professional fees from BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Bayer, CSL Behring, HEMA Biologics, and Pfizer and institutional research funding from Novo Nordisk and Spark Therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney D Thornburg
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, CA, and Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Er Chen
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA
| | | | | | - Louis P Garrison
- CHOICE Institute, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Stacy E Croteau
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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29
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Ragni M. Royal gene therapy at a royal cost. Blood 2021; 138:1645-1646. [PMID: 34734998 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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30
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Greig JA, Smith MK, Nordin JML, Goode T, Chroscinski EA, Buza EL, Schmidt N, Kattenhorn LM, Wadsworth S, Wilson JM. Determining the Minimally Effective Dose of a Clinical Candidate AAV Vector in a Mouse Model of Hemophilia A. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 33:421-431. [PMID: 34652966 PMCID: PMC9063151 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder, affects 1:5,000 males and is caused by a deficiency of human blood coagulation factor VIII (hFVIII). Studies in mice and macaques identified AAVhu37.E03.TTR.hFVIIIco-SQ.PA75 as a clinical candidate gene therapy vector to treat hemophilia A. In this study, we sought to determine the minimally effective dose (MED) of this vector in a hemophilia A mouse model. Mice received one of four vector doses (3 × 1011–1 × 1013 genome copies [GCs]/kg) via intravenous tail vein injection; one cohort received vehicle as a control. Animals were monitored daily after vector/vehicle administration. Blood samples were collected to evaluate hFVIII activity levels and anti-hFVIII antibodies. Animals were sacrificed and necropsied on days 28 and 56; tissues were harvested for histopathological examination and blood was collected for serum chemistry panel analysis. We found no significant differences in liver transaminase levels in mice administered any vector dose compared to those administered vehicle (except for one group administered 3 × 1011 GC/kg). Total bilirubin levels were significantly elevated compared to the vehicle group following two vector doses at day 56 (1 × 1012 and 1 × 1013 GC/kg). We observed no vector-related gross or histological findings. Most microscopic findings were in the vehicle group and considered secondary to blood loss, an expected phenotype of this mouse model. Since we observed no dose-limiting safety markers, we determined that the maximally tolerated dose was greater than or equal to the highest dose tested (1 × 1013 GC/kg). Since we detected hFVIII activity in all cohorts administered vector, we conclude that the MED is 3 × 1011 GC/kg—the lowest dose evaluated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Greig
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Melanie K Smith
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Jayme M L Nordin
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Tamara Goode
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Edward A Chroscinski
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Elizabeth L Buza
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Programa, 1225 S. 31st Street, Translational Research Labs (TRL), Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104;
| | - Nicole Schmidt
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc, 1668, Whippany, New Jersey, United States;
| | | | - Samuel Wadsworth
- Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Cambridge , Massachusetts, United States;
| | - James M Wilson
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 14640, Gene Therapy Program, Suite 1200 TRL, 125 S. 31st Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104;
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31
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Zhao M, Sun YD, Yin M, Zhao JJ, Li SA, Li G, Zhang F, Xu J, Meng FY, Zhang B, Sun XY, Zhang JP, Cheng T, Zhang XB. Modulation of Immune Reaction in Hydrodynamic Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 33:404-420. [PMID: 34555961 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) is a monogenic disease characterized by plasma clotting factor 8 (F8) deficiency due to F8 mutation. We have been attempting to cure HA permanently using a CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing strategy. Here, we induced targeted integration of BDDF8 (B-domain-deleted F8) gene into the albumin locus of HA mice by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of editing plasmid vectors. One week after treatment, a high F8 activity ranging from 70% to 280% of normal serum levels was observed in all treated HA mice but dropped to background levels 3-5 weeks later. We found that the humoral immune reaction targeting F8 is the predominant cause of the decreased F8 activity. We hypothesized that hydrodynamic injection-induced liver damage triggered the release of large quantities of inflammatory cytokines. However, co-injection of plasmids expressing a dozen immunomodulatory factors failed to curtail the immune reaction and stabilize F8 activity. The spCas9 plasmid carrying a miR-142-3p target sequence alleviated the cellular immune response but was unable to deliver therapeutic efficacy. Strikingly, immunosuppressant cyclo-phosphamide virtually abolished the immune response, leading to a year-long stable F8 level. Our findings should have important implications in developing therapies in mouse models using the hydrodynamic gene delivery approach, highlighting the ne-cessity of modulating the innate immune response triggered by liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Yi-Dan Sun
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Mengdi Yin
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Juan-Juan Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China.,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Si-Ang Li
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Guohua Li
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Feng Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Jing Xu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Fei-Ying Meng
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Beldon Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Xin-Yu Sun
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Tao Cheng
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, 70585, Tianjin, Tianjin, China;
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32
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Pochopień M, Qiu T, Aballea S, Clay E, Toumi M. Considering potential solutions for limitations and challenges in the health economic evaluation of gene therapies. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2021; 21:1145-1158. [PMID: 34407704 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1969229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The limited evidence in the clinical trials of gene therapies (GTs) posed substantial challenges for a reliable health technology assessment (HTA). This paper provides insights into the relationship between the background of diseases and the health economics assessment of GTs.Areas covered: The impacts of differentiated severity and unmet needs of genetic diseases, on the economic analysis of GTs, were discussed.Expert opinion: GTs offer a potential cure or significant clinical improvement, while limitations in clinical evidence constitute major obstacles for a robust assessment of clinical effectiveness and economic outcomes. This uncertainty may be balanced by the severity of the targeted condition and the associated unmet needs, thus leading to a relatively higher acceptance for GTs. Overtime, HTA agencies will become more demanding on comprehensive evidence of long-term effectiveness. With a growing number of GTs on the horizon, to what extent the unmet needs of previously devastating diseases will be fulfilled remain unclear. Nonetheless, comparative studies, either with a historical control group or existing treatments, will be necessary to demonstrate the additional benefits associated with GTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Pochopień
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Department of health economics and outcomes research, Creativ-Ceutical, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tingting Qiu
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Aballea
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Clay
- Department of health economics and outcomes research, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Abstract
Remarkable changes are occurring in the diagnosis and management of individuals with hemophilia A. Genetic testing, including next-generation sequencing, enables family planning, carrier testing, and prenatal diagnosis. Musculoskeletal ultrasound examination facilitates the early detection of acute bleeds and joint disease in clinic, enabling more rapid bleed resolution and treatment planning. Novel therapies offer simpler weekly or monthly administration, some by subcutaneous injection, with better compliance and quality of life, as well as fewer bleeds. Gene therapy provides a 1-time phenotypic "cure" that is cost effective, but may be complicated by waning levels, vector immune responses, and hepatotoxicity.
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34
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Rodríguez-Merchán EC, De Pablo-Moreno JA, Liras A. Gene Therapy in Hemophilia: Recent Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147647. [PMID: 34299267 PMCID: PMC8306493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia is a monogenic mutational disease affecting coagulation factor VIII or factor IX genes. The palliative treatment of choice is based on the use of safe and effective recombinant clotting factors. Advanced therapies will be curative, ensuring stable and durable concentrations of the defective circulating factor. Results have so far been encouraging in terms of levels and times of expression using mainly adeno-associated vectors. However, these therapies are associated with immunogenicity and hepatotoxicity. Optimizing the vector serotypes and the transgene (variants) will boost clotting efficacy, thus increasing the viability of these protocols. It is essential that both physicians and patients be informed about the potential benefits and risks of the new therapies, and a register of gene therapy patients be kept with information of the efficacy and long-term adverse events associated with the treatments administered. In the context of hemophilia, gene therapy may result in (particularly indirect) cost savings and in a more equitable allocation of treatments. In the case of hemophilia A, further research is needed into how to effectively package the large factor VIII gene into the vector; and in the case of hemophilia B, the priority should be to optimize both the vector serotype, reducing its immunogenicity and hepatotoxicity, and the transgene, boosting its clotting efficacy so as to minimize the amount of vector administered and decrease the incidence of adverse events without compromising the efficacy of the protein expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán
- Osteoarticular Surgery Research, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research–IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital—Autonomous University of Madrid), 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan Andres De Pablo-Moreno
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Liras
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Cost effectiveness of caplacizumab in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Blood 2021; 137:969-976. [PMID: 33280030 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disease characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy leading to end-organ damage. The standard of care (SOC) treatment is therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) alongside immunomodulation with steroids, with increasing use of rituximab ± other immunomodulatory agents. The addition of caplacizumab, a nanobody targeting von Willebrand factor, was shown to accelerate platelet count recovery and reduce TPE treatments and hospital length of stay in TTP patients treated in 2 major randomized clinical trials. The addition of caplacizumab to SOC also led to increased bleeding from transient reductions in von Willebrand factor and increased relapse rates. Using data from the 2 clinical trials of caplacizumab, we performed the first-ever cost-effectiveness analysis in TTP. Over a 5-year period, the projected incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in our Markov model was $1 482 260, significantly above the accepted 2019 US willingness-to-pay threshold of $195 300. One-way sensitivity analyses showed the utility of the well state and the cost of caplacizumab to have the largest effects on ICER, with a reduction in caplacizumab cost demonstrating the single greatest impact on lowering the ICER. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, SOC was favored over caplacizumab in 100% of 10 000 iterations. Our data indicate that the addition of caplacizumab to SOC in treatment of acquired TTP is not cost effective because of the high cost of the medication and its failure to improve relapse rates. The potential impact of caplacizumab on health system cost using longer term follow-up data merits further study.
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Samelson-Jones BJ, Guelcher C, Kuhn J, Butler R, Massey G, Guerrera MF, Raffini L. Real-world cost estimates of initiating emicizumab in US patients with haemophilia A. Haemophilia 2021; 27:591-598. [PMID: 34050689 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emicizumab is the first approved non-factor therapy for haemophilia A. It provides superior prophylactic bleeding control compared to other products in both patients with and patients without inhibitors. However, there is no real-world data about the monetary consequences of starting emicizumab. AIM To examine the estimated costs of starting emicizumab in a cohort of real-world haemophilia A patients with and without inhibitors. METHODS The cost of haemostatic therapy for 6 months before and after initiating emicizumab for participants in a multicentre observational study was calculated based on the type of product and dosing that was used for prophylaxis and treating breakthrough bleeds, the number of treated bleeds and the participant weight. RESULTS Ninety-two patients were included, 18 with an active inhibitor. The median age was 8.7 years. The median total cost for all patients decreased from $176,720 to $128,099 (p = .04) after initiating emicizumab, largely because of decrease in the total cost of high-cost outliers. The cost of prophylaxis and the total cost of bleeds also significantly decreased after starting emicizumab, both for patient with and patients without inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Starting or switching to prophylaxis with emicizumab results in decreased costs for the treatment of patients with haemophilia A. This real-world data could inform on payer decisions as well as future cost-effective analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Guelcher
- Children's National Hospital, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jan Kuhn
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Regina Butler
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gita Massey
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Michael F Guerrera
- Children's National Hospital, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Leslie Raffini
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Garrison LP, Jiao B, Dabbous O. Gene therapy may not be as expensive as people think: challenges in assessing the value of single and short-term therapies. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2021; 27:674-681. [PMID: 33908277 PMCID: PMC10391299 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.27.5.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
At an upfront price of $2.125 million, the one-time gene therapy onasemnogene abeparvovec for spinal muscular atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disorder that is usually fatal by 2 years of age if untreated, has been called the "most expensive drug ever." This flawed characterization raises important methodological and policy issues regarding valuation of high-cost treatments. We reviewed several other high-cost therapies-with a particular focus on hemophilia A treatment-studied by the nonprofit Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). In ICER's summary report of 2 treatments for managing hemophilia A, published in this month's JMCP issue, the estimated $15-$18 million lifetime cost of factor VIII is characterized as "far too high," representing "a failure of competition [that] … builds a platform for pricing of treatments … that will only exacerbate these problems." Current literature indicates several factors underlying high factor VIII treatment cost (eg, historical pattern of innovation and lack of market competition) that may also drive the pricing dynamics of advanced therapies for other rare diseases. When a treatment's price is driven high (or "distorted"), an economic principle known as "theory of the second best" suggests that market price becomes a poor estimate of social opportunity cost, and adjustments should be made for such distortions. In any case, a high-cost standard of care creates an opportunity for new technology to generate cost savings, providing an inducement for market entry. Recognizing that this potentially creates a tendency to produce price distortions for new treatments, ICER has attempted to apply some ad hoc adjustments. However, challenges remain in creating a "level playing field" across different disease-modifying or potentially curative innovations (eg, one-time therapy vs ongoing or lifelong treatment with repeated doses). While additional policy work is needed to address this dilemma, it would clearly be misleading to assume that gene therapies are inherently expensive. Rigorous economic evaluation of novel therapies requires careful comparison of lifetime cost and benefits vs standard of care, including adjustments for pricing distortions. Fortunately, economic theory suggests that we could adjust to this circumstance by using the social opportunity costs of interventions based on an appropriate variable cost-effectiveness threshold that would be higher for rare severe diseases. DISCLOSURES: The research reported in this Viewpoints article was funded by Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Garrison and Jiao were paid by Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., to conduct this research. Garrison has also received consulting fees from BioMarin, Inc, and UniQure. Dabbous is a full-time employee of Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., and holds Novartis stock and stock options.
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The Cost-effectiveness of Gene Therapy for Severe Hemophilia B: Microsimulation Study from the United States Perspective. Blood 2021; 138:1677-1690. [PMID: 33895800 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021010864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a novel treatment promising to reduce morbidity associated with hemophilia. While multiple clinical trials continue to evaluate efficacy and safety, limited cost-effectiveness data have been published. This study compared the potential cost-effectiveness of AAV-mediated factor IX(FIX)-Padua gene therapy for severe hemophilia B patients in the United States (US) to on-demand FIX replacement and primary FIX prophylaxis, using either standard or extended half-life FIX products. A microsimulation Markov model was constructed and transition probabilities between health states and utilities were informed by published data. Costs were aggregated using a micro-costing approach. An 18-years-old till death time-horizon from the perspective of a third-party payer in the US was conducted. Gene therapy was more cost-effective than both alternatives considering a $150,000/QALY threshold. The price for gene therapy was assumed $2,000,000 in the base-case scenario, yet one of the one-way sensitivity analyses was conducted using observed manufacturing, administration and five-year follow-up cost of $87,198 for AAV-mediated gene therapy vector as derived from the manufacturing facility and clinical practice at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. One-way sensitivity analyses showed 10/102 scenarios in which gene therapy was not cost-effective compared to alternative treatments. Notably, gene therapy remained cost-effective in a hypothetical scenario in which we estimated that the discounted factor concentrate price was 20% of the wholesale acquisition cost in the US. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated gene therapy cost-effective at 92% of simulations considering $150,000/QALY threshold. In conclusion, based on detailed simulation inputs and assumptions, gene therapy was more cost-effective than on-demand treatment and prophylaxis for patients with severe hemophilia B.
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Buckner TW, Bocharova I, Hagan K, Bensimon AG, Yang H, Wu EQ, Sawyer EK, Li N. Health care resource utilization and cost burden of hemophilia B in the United States. Blood Adv 2021; 5:1954-1962. [PMID: 33830206 PMCID: PMC8045501 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia B is a rare congenital blood disorder characterized by factor IX deficiency. Clinical profiles of hemophilia B range from mild to severe forms of the disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the economic burden associated with differing clinical profiles of hemophilia B from a US health system perspective. Using the IBM MarketScan database (June 2011-February 2019), a claims-based algorithm was developed to identify 4 distinct profiles (mild, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe) in adult males with hemophilia B based on the frequency of hemorrhage events and factor IX replacement claims. Mean annual health care resource use (HRU) and costs were statistically compared between patients with hemophilia B (N = 454) and 1:1 demographic-matched controls (N = 454), both overall and with stratification by clinical profile. Compared with matched controls, patients with hemophilia B had a significantly higher comorbidity burden (Charlson Comorbidity Index, mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 0.9 ± 1.7 vs 0.3 ± 0.9, P < .001). Across all clinical profiles, patients with hemophilia B had significantly higher HRU vs matched controls (mean ± SD: 0.3 ± 0.6 vs 0.1 ± 0.3 inpatient admissions; 0.6 ± 1.2 vs 0.2 ± 0.6 emergency department visits; 17.7 ± 22.9 vs 8.0 ± 11.0 outpatient visits; all P < .001). Annual total health care costs per patient among patients with hemophilia B were more than 25-fold higher vs matched controls (mean ± SD: $201 635 ± $411 530 vs $7879 ± $29 040, respectively, P < .001). Annual total health care costs per patient increased with increasing severity (mean ± SD: mild, $80 811 ± $284 313; moderate, $137 455 ± $222 021; moderate-severe, $251 619 ± $576 886; severe, $632 088 ± $501 270). The findings of this study highlight the substantial burden of illness associated with hemophilia B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W Buckner
- Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Q Wu
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA; and
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Chowdhury EA, Meno-Tetang G, Chang HY, Wu S, Huang HW, Jamier T, Chandran J, Shah DK. Current progress and limitations of AAV mediated delivery of protein therapeutic genes and the importance of developing quantitative pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:214-237. [PMID: 33486008 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While protein therapeutics are one of the most successful class of drug molecules, they are expensive and not suited for treating chronic disorders that require long-term dosing. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated in vivo gene therapy represents a viable alternative, which can deliver the genes of protein therapeutics to produce long-term expression of proteins in target tissues. Ongoing clinical trials and recent regulatory approvals demonstrate great interest in these therapeutics, however, there is a lack of understanding regarding their cellular disposition, whole-body disposition, dose-exposure relationship, exposure-response relationship, and how product quality and immunogenicity affects these important properties. In addition, there is a lack of quantitative studies to support the development of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models, which can support the discovery, development, and clinical translation of this delivery system. In this review, we have provided a state-of-the-art overview of current progress and limitations related to AAV mediated delivery of protein therapeutic genes, along with our perspective on the steps that need to be taken to improve clinical translation of this therapeutic modality.
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Hemophilia Gene Therapy: Approaching the First Licensed Product. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e540. [PMID: 33604517 PMCID: PMC7886458 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical potential of hemophilia gene therapy has now been pursued for the past 30 years, and there is a realistic expectation that this goal will be achieved within the next couple of years with the licensing of a gene therapy product. While recent late phase clinical trials of hemophilia gene therapy have shown promising results, there remain a number of issues that require further attention with regard to both efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach. In this review, we present information relating to the current status of the field and focus attention on the unanswered questions for hemophilia gene therapy and the future challenges that need to be overcome to enable the widespread application of this treatment paradigm.
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Li N, Sawyer EK, Maruszczyk K, Guzauskas G, Slomka MT, Burke T, Martin AP, O'Hara J, Stevenson M, Recht M. Adult lifetime cost of hemophilia B management in the US: payer and societal perspectives from a decision analytic model. J Med Econ 2021; 24:363-372. [PMID: 33591884 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2021.1891088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hemophilia B (HB) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by bleeding-related complications which are managed by prophylactic or post-bleeding event ("on-demand") replacement of clotting factor IX (FIX). The standard of care for severe HB is life-long prophylaxis with standard half-life (SHL) or extended half-life (EHL) products given every 2-3 or 7-14 days, respectively. FIX treatment costs in the US have been investigated, but the lifetime costs of HB treatment have not been well characterized, particularly related to the impact of joint health deterioration and associated health resource utilization. We developed a decision-analytic model to explore outcomes, costs and underlying cost drivers associated with FIX treatment options over the lifetime of an adult with severe or moderately severe HB. MATERIALS AND METHODS With participation from clinicians, health technology assessment specialists and patient advocates, a Markov model was constructed to estimate bleeding events and costs associated with health states including "bleed into joint", "bleed not into joint", "no bleed" and "death". Sub-models of joint health were based on 0, 1, or ≥2 areas of chronic joint damage. US third-party payer and societal perspectives were considered with a lifetime horizon; sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of primary findings. RESULTS Total adult lifetime costs per patient with severe and moderately severe HB were $21,086,607 for SHL FIX prophylaxis, $22,987,483 for EHL FIX prophylaxis, and $20,971,826 for on-demand FIX treatment. For FIX prophylaxis, the cost of FIX treatment accounts for >90% of the total HB treatment costs. CONCLUSIONS This decision analytic model demonstrated significant economic burden associated with the current HB treatment paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Greg Guzauskas
- HCD Economics, Daresbury, UK
- CHOICE Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marta T Slomka
- HCD Economics, Daresbury, UK
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre PAS, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Jamie O'Hara
- HCD Economics, Daresbury, UK
- Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Matt Stevenson
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Recht
- American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network, Rochester, NY, USA
- The Hemophilia Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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van Overbeeke E, Michelsen S, Toumi M, Stevens H, Trusheim M, Huys I, Simoens S. Market access of gene therapies across Europe, USA, and Canada: challenges, trends, and solutions. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:399-415. [PMID: 33242695 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This review can inform gene therapy developers on challenges that can be encountered when seeking market access. Moreover, it provides an overview of trends among challenges and potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline van Overbeeke
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 521, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sissel Michelsen
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 521, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Healthcare Management Centre, Vlerick Business School, Reep 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Public Health Department, Aix Marseille University, 27 bd Jean Moulin, Marseille, France
| | - Hilde Stevens
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Healthcare (I(3)h), Université libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark Trusheim
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 100 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 521, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Simoens
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 521, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Aballéa S, Thokagevistk K, Velikanova R, Simoens S, Annemans L, Antonanzas F, Auquier P, François C, Fricke FU, Malone D, Millier A, Persson U, Petrou S, Dabbous O, Postma M, Toumi M. Health economic evaluation of gene replacement therapies: methodological issues and recommendations. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2020; 8:1822666. [PMID: 33144927 PMCID: PMC7580851 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2020.1822666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To provide recommendations for addressing previously identified key challenges in health economic evaluations of Gene Replacement Therapies (GRTs), including: 1) the assessment of clinical effectiveness; 2) the valuation of health outcomes; 3) the time horizon and extrapolation of effects beyond trial duration; 4) the estimation of costs; 5) the selection of appropriate discount rates; 6) the incorporation of broader elements of value; and 7) affordability. Methods: A literature review on economic evaluations of GRT was performed. Interviews were conducted with 8 European and US health economic experts with experience in evaluations of GRT. Targeted literature reviews were conducted to investigate further potential solutions to specific challenges. Recommendations: Experts agreed on factors to be considered to ensure the acceptability of historical cohorts by HTA bodies. Existing prospective registries or, if not available, retrospective registries, may be used to analyse different disease trajectories and inform extrapolations. The importance of expert opinion due to limited data was acknowledged. Expert opinion should be obtained using structured elicitation techniques. Broader elements of value, beyond health gains directly related to treatment, can be considered through the application of a factor to inflate the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) or a higher cost-effectiveness threshold. Additionally, the use of cost-benefit analysis and saved young life equivalents (SAVE) were proposed as alternatives to QALYs for the valuations of outcomes of GRT as they can incorporate broader elements of value and avoid problems of eliciting utilities for paediatric diseases. Conclusions: While some of the limitations of economic evaluations of GRT are inherent to limited clinical data and lack of experience with these treatments, others may be addressed by methodological research to be conducted by health economists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rimma Velikanova
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Steven Simoens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Annemans
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Pascal Auquier
- CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Clément François
- Creativ-Ceutical, HEOR, Paris, France
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Daniel Malone
- Pharmacotherapy Faculty, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | | | - Ulf Persson
- The Swedish Institute for Health Economics (IHE), Lund, Sweden
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Omar Dabbous
- Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research and Real World EvidenceAveXis Inc, Novartis Gene Therapies, Bannockburn, IL, USA
| | - Maarten Postma
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Creativ-Ceutical, HEOR, Paris, France
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Ten Ham RMT, Klungel OH, Leufkens HGM, Frederix GWJ. A Review of Methodological Considerations for Economic Evaluations of Gene Therapies and Their Application in Literature. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:1268-1280. [PMID: 32940245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.04.1833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify methodological considerations discussed in literature addressing economic evaluations (EEs) of gene therapies (GTs). Additionally, we assessed if these considerations are applied in published GT EEs to increase understanding and explore impact. METHODS First a peer-reviewed literature review was performed to identify research addressing methodological considerations of GT EEs until August 2019. Identified considerations were grouped in themes using thematic content analysis. A second literature search was conducted in which we identified published evaluations. The EE quality of reporting was assessed using Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. RESULTS The first literature search yielded 13 articles discussing methodological considerations. The second search provided 12 EEs. Considerations identified were payment models, definition of perspectives, addressing uncertainty, data extrapolation, discount rates, novel value elements, and use of indirect and surrogate endpoints. All EEs scored satisfactory to good according to Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. Regarding methodological application, we found 1 methodological element (payment models) was applied in 2 base cases. Scenarios explored alternative perspectives, survival assumptions, and extrapolation methods in 10 EEs. CONCLUSIONS Although EE quality of reporting was considered good, their informativeness for health technology assessment and decision makers seemed limited owing to many uncertainties. We suggest accepted EE methods can broadly be applied to GTs, but few elements may need adjustment. Further research and multi-stakeholder consensus is needed to determine appropriateness and application of individual methodological considerations. For now, we recommend including scenario analyses to explore impact of methodological choices and (clinical) uncertainties. This study contributes to better understanding of perceived appropriate evaluation of GTs and informs best modeling practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske M T Ten Ham
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Olaf H Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert G M Leufkens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Lygature, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert W J Frederix
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Arruda VR, Doshi BS. Gene Therapy for Hemophilia: Facts and Quandaries in the 21st Century. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2020; 12:e2020069. [PMID: 32952980 PMCID: PMC7485465 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2020.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy for hemophilia has evolved in the last 40 years from plasma-based concentrates to recombinant proteins and, more recently, to non-factor therapeutics. Along this same timeline, research in adeno-associated viral (AAV) based gene therapy vectors has provided the framework for early phase clinical trials initially for hemophilia B (HB) and now for hemophilia A. Successive lessons learned from early HB trials have paved the way for current advanced phase trials. Nevertheless, questions linger regarding 1) the optimal balance of vector dose to transgene expression, 2) amount and durability of transgene expression required, and 3) long-term safety. Some trials have demonstrated unique findings not seen previously regarding transient elevation of liver enzymes, immunogenicity of the vector capsid, and loss of transgene expression. This review will provide an update on the clinical AAV gene therapy trials in hemophilia and address the questions above. A thoughtful and rationally approached expansion of gene therapy to the clinics would certainly be a welcome addition to the arsenal of options for hemophilia therapy. Further, the global impact of gene therapy could be vastly improved by expanding eligibility to different patient populations and to developing nations. With the advances made to date, it is possible to envision a shift from the early goal of simply increasing life expectancy to a significant improvement in quality of life by reduction in spontaneous bleeding episodes and disease complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R. Arruda
- Divsion of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Bhavya S. Doshi
- Divsion of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA USA
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47
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Thompson WS, Mondal G, Vanlith CJ, Kaiser RA, Lillegard JB. The future of gene-targeted therapy for hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 as a lead indication among the inborn errors of metabolism. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020; 8:245-256. [PMID: 33224636 PMCID: PMC7676758 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1791082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) often result from single-gene mutations and collectively cause liver dysfunction in neonates leading to chronic liver and systemic disease. Current treatments for many IEMs are limited to maintenance therapies that may still require orthotropic liver transplantation. Gene therapies offer a potentially superior approach by correcting or replacing defective genes with functional isoforms; however, they face unique challenges from complexities presented by individual diseases and their diverse etiology, presentation, and pathophysiology. Furthermore, immune responses, off-target gene disruption, and tumorigenesis are major concerns that need to be addressed before clinical application of gene therapy. Areas covered The current treatments for IEMs are reviewed as well as the advances in, and barriers to, gene therapy for IEMs. Attention is then given to ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy approaches for hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1). Of all IEMs, HT1 is particularly amenable to gene therapy because of a selective growth advantage conferred to corrected cells, thereby lowering the initial transduction threshold for phenotypic relevance. Expert opinion It is proposed that not only is HT1 a safe indication for gene therapy, its unique characteristics position it to be an ideal IEM to develop for clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gourish Mondal
- Department of Surgery, Research Scientist, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Robert A Kaiser
- Department of Surgery, Research Scientist, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Midwest Fetal Care Center, Childrens Hospital of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Joseph B Lillegard
- Midwest Fetal Care Center, Childrens Hospital of Minnesota, MN, USA.,Assistant Professor of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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The evolving landscape of gene therapy for congenital haemophilia: An unprecedented, problematic but promising opportunity for worldwide clinical studies. Blood Rev 2020; 46:100737. [PMID: 32739122 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
With liver-directed gene therapy, congenital haemophilia has the potential to progress from an incurable to a phenotypically curable condition. However, the proportion of haemophilia population likely to benefit from gene therapy remains to be established. Achieving a phenotypic curative goal is presently hampered by: 1) availability of effective treatments (e.g. extended half-life products, non-factor therapies) that address major unmet needs in haemophilia; 2) key differences between hope and reality that patients undergoing gene therapy face (e.g. unknown risks and long-term follow-up, durability of the therapeutic effect, possibility of re-administering the vector), 3) lack of expertise of health care professionals (HCP) in managing/monitoring unexpected side effects in patients, and 4) lack of expertise of HCP in advising payers on key issues for cost-effectiveness analyses of gene therapy (e.g., eligibility criteria, predictability of response, unknown risks, long-term complications). There is also uncertainty about the possibility to absorb the cost of the "one-time, one-dose cure" by payers that are used to different payment models. An active partnership between regulators, payers, patients and health care professionals is key to identify patient sub-populations that might benefit the most from gene therapy, and to align the interests of patients (needing effective disease correction and improved quality of life) and pharma companies (reluctant to lose the profitability of lifelong repeated treatments). Educational programs will provide the healthcare chain with information on the strategy that is expected to transform morbidity and mortality patterns and how it should be regarded as part of the future therapeutic options in haemophilia.
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49
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Reiss UM, Zhang L, Ohmori T. Hemophilia gene therapy-New country initiatives. Haemophilia 2020; 27 Suppl 3:132-141. [PMID: 32638467 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is an opportunity for haemophilia patients to receive a one-time treatment and have lasting factor levels for years or decades instead of dependence on repeated administration within short intervals and on sustained supply of drug. Great strides have been made in the development of gene therapy for haemophilia in the last decade. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer in haemophilia A and B has entered the phase III trial stage. Gene transfer by lentiviral vector or gene editing technologies using factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX) genes are now entering clinical evaluation. It is expected that the first FVIII and FIX gene therapy products will soon be approved and distributed in major markets. Global access to gene therapy is a critical goal. This review presents new and ongoing efforts towards this goal in countries other than North America and Europe. In Japan, researchers, regulators and funders have established a promising gene therapy development platform for multiple diseases including haemophilia. Decades of scientific and clinical research in haemophilia gene therapy in China have led to a recently registered clinical trial of AAV-mediated gene therapy for haemophilia B. Other countries are in earlier phases of building gene therapy programmes or participate in international trials. A phase 2 feasibility trial of AAV-mediated FIX gene therapy in low- and middle-income countries aims to demonstrate that gene therapy could become available in resource-constrained socio-economic settings. The different strategies for establishing gene therapy provide opportunities for closing the global gap in haemophilia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike M Reiss
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Blood Disease Gene Therapy, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Tsukasa Ohmori
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
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50
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Cook K, Forbes SP, Adamski K, Ma JJ, Chawla A, Garrison LP. Assessing the potential cost-effectiveness of a gene therapy for the treatment of hemophilia A. J Med Econ 2020; 23:501-512. [PMID: 31971453 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2020.1721508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Hemophilia A is a genetic, chronic disorder classified by deficient or defective coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) that puts those affected at risk for spontaneous bleeding episodes, which lead to joint damage and chronic pain over time. Currently, most severe hemophilia A patients are treated with prophylactic FVIII, which requires costly and frequent infusions and life-long adherence to medication. A gene therapy (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) is currently in development for the treatment of severe hemophilia A. This model assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of treating patients with valoctocogene roxaparvovec rather than prophylactic therapy.Materials and methods: We developed an individual-based, state-transition microsimulation model for assessing the likely cost-effectiveness of valoctocogene roxaparvovec compared to prophylactic FVIII. Men aged 30 with severe hemophilia A were modeled over a lifetime horizon, and costs were reported from the perspective of the United States health care system. Through microsimulation, patient-level heterogeneity was captured in starting weight, starting Pettersson score (PS), durability of valoctocogene roxaparvovec, and annual bleed rate (ABR).Results: The model projects that treatment with single-administration valoctocogene roxaparvovec would be cost-saving to people with hemophilia A at a price point comparable to other currently available gene therapy products due to its potential to reduce FVIII utilization, direct medical costs, lifetime bleeds, and accumulated joint damage.Limitations: The model relies upon evidence-based assumptions for clinical inputs due to limited data availability. Such uncertainty was mitigated by modeling heterogeneity across the population, specifically with regards to long-term gene therapy durability, lifetime bleed rates, and joint damage progression.Conclusion: Valoctocogene roxaparvovec was found to be cost-saving-on average by about $6.8 million per patient-and more effective than prophylactic therapy for treatment of hemophilia A. The comparative benefit of gene therapy was observed across a broad range of simulated patients that were representative of the real-world severe hemophilia A population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keziah Cook
- Analysis Group Inc, Health Care, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Shaun P Forbes
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, RI, USA
| | - Kelly Adamski
- Analysis Group Inc, Health Care, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Janice J Ma
- Analysis Group Inc, Health Care, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Anita Chawla
- Analysis Group Inc, Health Care, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Louis P Garrison
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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