Published Jun 17, 2012

Cambridge, UK – New data published in Value in Health, the official journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and outcomes Research (ISPOR) show that bendamustine represents good value for first-line treatment of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in patients unsuitable for fludarabine-based treatment. The study, “Bendamustine Versus Chlorambucil For The First-Line Treatment Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia In England And Wales: A Cost-Utility Analysis,” evaluated the cost-effectiveness of bendamustine against the current standard of care in first-line treatment of patients with advanced CLL unsuitable for fludarabine-based treatment (the current ‘gold standard’ in the UK). Results of the analysis showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of GBP11,960 per quality adjusted life year, that is well below the threshold of GBP20,000 – 30,000 commonly applied in the UK. The study, which was funded by Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited, formed part of a successful health technology appraisal for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK, with the evidence review group report describing the economic model as “high quality”. CLL is the most common leukaemia amongst adults in industrialised countries, and accounts for 40% of all leukaemia cases in those aged over 65 years. Professor Dr. Wolfgang Knauf, Consultant Haematologist, Frankfurt, Germany, said: “I am delighted to hear that not only was bendamustine of clinical benefit over chlorambucil but bendamustine was also cost-effective in an increasingly cost conscious world.”

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