Objective

To assess socio-sanitary expenditure after the addition of omalizumab to standard treatment in the control of severe asthma and to analyse its effectiveness under standard clinical practice.

Method

Observational retrospective multicentre study conducted in 12 pneumology services in the Valencian Community, Spain. Data from 186 patients were analysed. Results of the year before and after the addition of omalizumab were compared. Effectiveness was calculated based on a 3- point increase in the Asthma Control Test and a reduction in the number of annual exacerbations. Utility was calculated by the number of quality adjusted life years. The economic assessment included both direct and indirect costs and results were expressed in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness and incremental cost-utility ratio.

Results

Significant improvements were found in lung function, asthma control, quality of life, and quality adjusted life years between the year before and after the introduction of omalizumab. Taking into account direct and indirect costs, the incremental cost-effectiveness for each avoided exacerbation was € 1,789.28 (95% CI: € 1,019.13-3,038.12) and € 4,569.38 (95% CI: 3,442.86-6,075.05) per 3-point increase in the Asthma Control Test score. The incremental cost-utility ratio per quality adjusted life years gained was € 50,239.98 (95% CI: 37,209.88-68,923.84).

Conclusions

The addition of omalizumab to the treatment regime of patients with severe asthma is effective under standard clinical practice, decreases direct and indirect costs, and provides significant improvements in the health status of patients.

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