Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Impact Analysis of the Use of Faricimab in Diabetic Macular Edema and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Colombia.

Background: Retinal diseases are major contributors to disability, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) represent a significant disease and economic burden in Colombia. Assessing the economic evaluation of available treatments is essential for the efficient allocation of healthcare resources.

Objective: To estimate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of using faricimab for the treatment of patients with DME and nAMD within the Colombian health system.

Methods: This study used a 25-year Markov cohort model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of faricimab vs aflibercept, ranibizumab, and brolucizumab. We used the methodological guidelines of the local health technology assessment agency for conducting the cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis. Transition probabilities and injection frequencies were derived from the literature. Drug prices were retrieved from public local databases. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were assessed. The potential patient population for the budget impact analysis was estimated based on disease prevalence and expert consultations.

Results: Faricimab treat-and-extend (T&E) was dominant vs aflibercept T&E (+0.22 QALYs), ranibizumab T&E (+0.55 QALYs), and brolucizumab for 8 to 12 weeks (+0.06 QALYs) in DME, generating cost savings (in US dollars) of