Pharmaco-utilization of biologic drugs in patients affected by psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in an Italian real-world setting

ABSTRACT

Background

As primary aim the study evaluated the monthly average dose for biologic drugs used for psoriasis (PSO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in real-world settings.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was based on administrative databases of Italian Entities. Adult patients diagnosed PSO, PsA or AS with ≥1 prescription of biologic drugs indicated for these diseases were included during 01/01/2011 – 30/06/2017. Monthly average dose and persistence were evaluated during 6-months after inclusion (follow-up).

Results

Overall, 6,179 patients prescribed biologic drugs were included: 2,373 represented the 1.1% of PSO-patients, 2,756 the 37.4% of PsA-patients, 1,050 the 17.8% of AS-patients. Monthly average dose was: 69 mg (PSO), 73 mg (PsA), 70 mg (AS) for adalimumab; 152 mg (PSO), 155 mg (PsA), 147 mg (AS) for etanercept; 140 mg (PSO), 133 mg (PsA), 166 mg (AS) for infliximab; 255 mg (PSO), 183 mg (PsA), 154 mg (AS) for secukinumab. Persistance to adalimumab was 76%(PSO), 78%(PsA), 74%(AS); with etanercept 77% in each disease-cohort; with infliximab 67%(PSO), 71%(PsA), 88%(AS); with secukinumab 91%(PSO) and 85%(PsA).

Conclusion

The study described real-world dosing patterns of biologics indicated for PSO, PsA, or AS, suggesting a trend of monthly average dose generally lower than the dosage indicated in the datasheet.

KEYWORDS:

• Biologic agents
• chronic inflammatory diseases
• dosing pattern
• drug utilization
• persistence

Acknowledgments

The abstract of this article was presented at the 22^nd ISPOR Annual European Congress 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark as a poster presentation with interim findings. The poster’s abstract was published in Value in Health. 2019; 22: S434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2019.09.193

Author contribution statement

All authors met the criteria for authorship as per ICMJE guidelines and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Declaration of interest

EZ, DC and MF are employees of Novartis, Italy. VP, DS and LDE report no conflicts of interest in this work: Clicon S.r.l. is an independent company and the agreement signed by Clicon S.r.l. and Novartis does not create any entityship, joint venture or any similar relationship between parties. MA, GDS and EN report no conflicts of interest in this work. The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.

Reviewers disclosure

A reviewer on this manuscript has discloses having received research, speaking and/or consulting support from a variety of companies including Galderma, GSK/Stiefel, Almirall, Alvotech, Leo Pharma, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mylan, Celgene, Pfizer, Ortho Dermatology, Abbvie, Samsung, Janssen, Lilly, Menlo, Merck, Novartis, Regeneron, Sanofi, Novan, Qurient, National Biological Corporation, Caremark, Advance Medical, Sun Pharma, Suncare Research, Informa, UpToDate and National Psoriasis Foundation. I also consult for others through Guidepoint Global, Gerson Lehrman and other consulting organizations. I am founder and majority owner of www.DrScore.com. I am a founder and part owner of Causa Research, a company dedicated to enhancing patients’ adherence to treatment. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no other relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This study was sponsored by Novartis. The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the sponsor.