Cost-utility analysis of Macitentan Vs. Bosentan in pulmonary atrial hypertension.

objectiveEndothelin (ET) receptor antagonists (ERAs) have considerable improvements in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients' symptoms. Macitentan, a novel ERA, has more significant positive effects like reduction of morbidity and mortality in PAH patients by 45% and decreases PAH hospitalization. Besides, macitentan was able to improve both the physical and mental aspects of patients' lives. This study aimed to evaluate an incremental cost-utility analysis of macitentan compared with bosentan in PAH patients in the Iranian health care system.

methodsWe developed a hybrid model consisting of a decision tree in which PAH patients would take and continue either macitentan or bosentan with different probabilities. Subsequently, each patient would enter one of the 4 Markov's, each consisting of 5 states, PAH fraction I, PAH fraction II, PAH fraction III, PAH fraction IV, and death. The cycles and time horizon were considered 3 months and lifetime, respectively. We assessed the impact of each medicine on patients' quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs, consequently calculated the ICER (Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio). The costs were measured in the dollar (1 dollar is equal to 42000 rials) with the perspective of the payer. The discount rates were assumed 3% for utility and 5% for costs. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted.

resultsThe costs are about 14163 dollars for bosentan and 13876 dollars for macitentan for each patient in a lifetime. The QALY produced per patient by macitentan was 0.81 more than that of bosentan. The calculated ICER was -357.47 which means that for each incremental QALY, the payer is charged less.

conclusionMacitentan is preferable to and dominant over bosentan in both effectiveness and expenditure. Thus, the therapeutic regimen containing macitentan is introduced as a favorable treatment strategy.