Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Spleen Aminopeptide Oral Solution Combined With Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in China

OBJECTIVES: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a global health issue, and affecting hundreds of millions of Chinese people throughout their lives. This study conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the use of spleen aminopeptide oral solution in combination with conventional therapy (cetirizine hydrochloride tablets + budesonide nasal spray) versus conventional therapy alone for the treatment of adult patients with SAR, based on the perspective of China's healthcare system.

METHODS: A rigorous 12-week follow-up study was conducted in Hohhot, China, to collect SAR progression and asthma incidence rates. Cost and health utility parameters were derived from published literature and databases. A Markov model was constructed to simulate the lifetime clinical and economic outcomes of both treatment strategies. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model, while scenario analyses were conducted to explore the economic impact of the combination therapy (spleen aminopeptide oral solution in combination with conventional therapy) over different treatment durations.

RESULTS: The follow-up data and simulation results consistently demonstrated that the combination therapy was more effective in alleviating moderate and severe SAR symptoms and reducing the risk of asthma exacerbations compared to conventional therapy alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the combination therapy for SAR patients (21.03 QALYs vs. 19.28 QALYs, ¥170,903.76 vs. ¥41,357.19) was below the willingness-to-pay threshold, indicating cost-effectiveness. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses verified the model's robustness. Scenario analysis over 10 to 50 years showed increasing economic benefits with prolonged treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: For adult patients with SAR in China, the combination of spleen aminopeptide oral solution and conventional therapy represents a clinically effective and cost-effective long-term treatment option. This study could provide valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations for clinicians, policy makers, and healthcare providers.