EFFECTIVENESS AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF SINGLE BOLUS TREATMENT WITH ABCIXIMAB (REO-PRO) IN PREVENTING RESTENOSIS FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS

Objective-To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of abciximab in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Design-Data from a previous study, the EP IC trial, were used because only this trial was able to provide event data capable of constructing a cost effectiveness analysis over six mo nths. All other study data reviewed supported the findings of the EPIC trial. To provide indicative results on long term health outcomes, su rvival and event-free survival were extrapolated using US epidemiologi cal data in a Markov modelling process. Setting and patients-Patients who were at high risk for ischaemic complications after PTCA, treated in the standard manner. Interventions Abciximab was added to the regim en of intravenous heparin and aspirin. Results-The EPIC study (n = 209 9) indicated an 8.1% absolute reduction in serious cardiovascular even ts (95% confidence interval 3.1% to 12.7%) and a 23% relative risk red uction (p = 0.001). Based on the six month trial period, the additiona l cost per patient free from a serious event (Australian dollars) is $ 13 012 and for a special risk/benefit measure of outcome, the addition al cost is $14 243. Epidemiological data support extended survival and ischaemic event-free survival with clinically successful PTCA. The re sults of the modelled analysis indicate a cost per additional Life-yea r gained of $5547 and a cost per additional year event-free of $4285. Conclusions-At up to six months abciximab offers improvements in clini cally important outcomes. A modelling exercise explores and highlights the likelihood of significant long term health benefits. The analysis provides information for decision makers and funders to consider the value for money of abciximab.