Cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of biologic therapy for asthma: To biologic or not to biologic?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate relevant studies and documents that address the cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of biologics current approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of asthma.

DATA SOURCES: Publications currently available on biologics, the Global Initiative for Asthma pocket book on difficult-to-treat asthma in adolescents and adults, and the recent Institute for Clinical and Economic Review on biologic therapies for the treatment of asthma.

STUDY SELECTIONS: Priority was placed on studies that speak to the cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of biologic therapies published from 2016 to 2019.

RESULTS: Current pricing for all biologics exceeds measures of cost-effectiveness. To meet available measures indicating cost-effectiveness, prices would have to be reduced by a minimum of approximately 60%. The effect of biologics on exacerbations is similar but should be interpreted in the context of comparable patient phenotypes. The effect on quality of life is deemed modest based on the available study designs.

CONCLUSION: To maximize cost-effectiveness of the biologics, emphasis should be placed on identifying predictors of response, focusing on those patients receiving oral corticosteroid therapy, and assessing the effect of treatment for decisions that relate to continuation. Multidisciplinary stakeholder efforts are needed to ensure responsible application of biologic therapy.