Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the working-age population, posing a direct threat to national productivity. DME strikes individuals during their peak economic activity. Innovative therapies like faricimab may prevent vision loss, enabling patients to remain in the workforce. Quantifying this Social Impact is essential to demonstrate that preserving vision is a strategy to safeguard Chile's labor force and economic growth. This study quantifies and projects the health and socioeconomic benefits (Social Impact) of faricimab for DME in Chile from 2024 to 2032, employing the WifOR Institute methodology to evidence the socioeconomic value generated by innovative therapies.
METHODS: The methodology integrates health economics with value chain analysis. The health footprint was measured using Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) gained. Following WifOR methodology, one QALY was equated to one year of gained productivity. These health gains were monetized to calculate the Socioeconomic Footprint based on Gross Value Added (GVA), capturing productivity in paid and unpaid work. Impact was stratified by age, with patients aged 20-59 contributing to both.
RESULTS: Projections for 2024-2032 indicate a gain of 201 QALYs, associated with an economic contribution of USD $7,189,085. Crucially, the majority of this monetary value is driven by preventing productivity loss in the working-age population (20-59 years), securing their continued contribution to the formal labor market.
CONCLUSIONS: Treating DME appropriately generates significant socioeconomic value for Chile by protecting its human capital. The findings underscore that healthcare spending is a driver of economic growth. However, maximizing this impact requires strengthening public policies to ensure access to innovation. By treating patients, Chile can prevent irreversible blindness, avoid premature retirement, and sustain the full economic potential of its diabetic population.