Pharmacoeconomics of genotyping-based treatment decisions in patients with chronic pain

Introduction Genotyping-based treatment decisions may optimize treatment response and minimize adverse drug events (ADEs) in patients with chronic pain. Objectives To estimate the financial impact of genotyping-based treatment decisions in patients with moderate to severe chronic pain in a managed care setting. Methods A budget impact model was built with a 1-year time horizon to estimate costs of genotyping-based treatment decisions in a 1000-patient cohort. The model includes drug costs, type and cost of ADEs, distribution of treatments used, and genotyping costs. Event rates and health care costs were derived from primary literature. Three patient cohorts were assessed with and without genotyping-based treatment decisions: no genetic testing; 50% genetic testing; and 100% genetic testing. Sensitivity analysis was performed varying costs, adherence, and the percentage of patients treated according to genotyping results. Results Medical and ADE costs varied by patient severity and genotyping rates. Without genotyping, drug and ADE costs ranged from $1,544,377 to $24,313,844. With genotyping-based treatment, total costs ranged from $1,780,922 to $18,868,032. Sensitivity analysis, varying costs, adherence, and genotyping rates suggested genotyping improves outcomes and is cost saving in patients with chronic pain. Conclusion Genotyping-based treatment costs are offset by reduced medication utilization and adverse event costs. Genotyping should be considered for patients with chronic pain in clinical practice and within clinical trials.