Cost-effectiveness analysis of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein compared with recombinant factor IX for the treatment of moderate-severe to severe hemophilia B in China

ObjectiveTo evaluate the lifetime cost-effectiveness of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) and recombinant factor IX (rFIX) for the treatment of hemophilia B (HB) in China. MethodsWe developed a decision-analytic Markov model including three health states: alive, requiring surgery, and dead. This model estimated the lifetime cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of prophylaxis in childhood, followed by on-demand treatment in adulthood for moderate-severe to severe HB patients from China's healthcare system perspective. Efficacy data derived from pivotal clinical trials, clinical guideline recommendations, and expert consultation were applied to two scenarios (full dose and low dose). One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were performed to assess the robustness of the model. OutcomesLifetime cost, QALYs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated, and the results were compared with willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of one to three times the gross domestic product per capita of China in 2021 ($12,551-$37,653). ResultsRFIXFc was associated with lower cost and more QALYs than rFIX in both scenarios, which suggested that it is a dominant strategy (more effective and cheaper) for moderate-severe to severe HB in China. In the full-dose scenario, rFIXFc saved more money and yielded more QALYs than in the low-dose scenario (low doses are the typical clinical reality in China). PSA demonstrated that rFIXFc had an over 90% probability of being cost-effective with full-dose and low-dose treatment at WTP thresholds of $12,551-$37,653. ConclusionsCompared with rFIX, rFIXFc appears to be a cost-effective option for the lifetime management of moderate-severe to severe HB patients in China.