The economics of adalimumab for ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by diffuse mucosal inflammation in the colon. Adalimumab, as a TNF-α blocker, offers a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and refractory or intolerant to conventional medications; however, its cost–effectiveness profile has not yet been well established. Future economic evaluations should choose appropriate comparators in the context of target-reimbursement decision making and focus on cost–effectiveness over a long time horizon.

Keywords:

• adalimumab
• cost–effectiveness
• economics
• infliximab
• ulcerative colitis

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• The economic evidence on adalimumab for treating patients with ulcerative colitis is limited.

• Heterogeneity in methodology and results across the studies is evident.

• Indirect costs are often excluded from the analysis.