Cost-effectiveness analysis of budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®) as needed for mild asthma in Malaysia

Budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®) as needed (PRN) is effective for the prevention of severe exacerbations in mild asthma. This economic model evaluated cost effectiveness budesonide/formoterol PRN versus (1) a short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) and (2) maintenance budesonide plus SABA asthma Malaysia. A decision analytical was developed to evaluate downstream consequences comparators from payer’s perspective (i.e. Ministry Health, Malaysia) with fixed time horizon 1 year, no discounting applied. Data were derived published clinical trials SYGMA 1, 2, Novel START), latest Malaysian resources, an expert panel. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per exacerbation avoided determined. Sensitivity scenario analyses conducted examine robustness model. Treatment (Malaysian ringgit [RM]773.39) had lower total annual than (RM908.27) but slightly higher (RM760.51). main driver disease management cost. dominant intervention compared associated ICER RM696.11 budesonide. Scenario analysis data START trial indicated that both Model outcomes most affected by mean inhalation PRN, managing hospital, probability From healthcare payer perspective, either or likely be cost-effective treatment option