Budget Impact Analysis of Tenecteplase for the Intravenous Thrombolysis Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China
Author(s)
Jinfeng Ruan, MSc1, Liu Jun, PhD1, Jian Ming, PhD2, Jiangyang Du, MSc1, Libo Tao, PhD3.
1Real World Solutions, IQVIA China, Beijing, China, 2Real World Solutions, IQVIA China, Shanghai, China, 3Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
1Real World Solutions, IQVIA China, Beijing, China, 2Real World Solutions, IQVIA China, Shanghai, China, 3Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
OBJECTIVES: Tenecteplase was newly approved for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) intravenous thrombolysis treatment (IVT) in China based on the ORIGINAL trial, where tenecteplase was comparable to alteplase for safety and efficacy, with superior efficacy in aged (>80 years) subgroup. Clinical guidelines recommend tenecteplase over alteplase for large-vessel-occlusion AIS for its advantages in efficacy. This study aims to estimate the budget impact on China primary medical insurance fund after including tenecteplase into the National Reimbursement Drug List.
METHODS: A three-year budget impact model was developed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare scenarios "Reimbursed" versus "Not reimbursed" of tenecteplase for the IVT in AIS population. The target population volume was estimated according to epidemiological data on the Chinese population. Cost inputs included drugs, hospitalization, adverse event management, stroke recurrence treatment, and rehabilitation. Since the dosage of thrombolytic drugs must be adjusted according to patient body weight, real-world weight distribution data of AIS patients from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance database (<56 kg: 22.2%; 56-64 kg: 23.3%; 64-77 kg: 39.7%; ≥77 kg: 14.2%) were utilized in the model. A weighted average per-patient drug cost was calculated based on the specific dosage requirements corresponding to the weight category.
RESULTS: Approximately 500,000-600,000 AIS patients are estimated to receive IVT each year from 2026 to 2028. Tenecteplase is expected to replace alteplase as a thrombolytic drug with a similar mechanism in the reimbursement list upon inclusion. In addition to improving clinical outcomes and reducing the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, tenecteplase could lower overall costs and medical insurance fund expenditures. Tenecteplase’s inclusion in the reimbursement list may save ¥60-220 million in healthcare costs over three years.
CONCLUSIONS: Tenecteplase demonstrates high clinical advantages, and its inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List could effectively reduce the expenditure of primary medical insurance fund.
METHODS: A three-year budget impact model was developed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare scenarios "Reimbursed" versus "Not reimbursed" of tenecteplase for the IVT in AIS population. The target population volume was estimated according to epidemiological data on the Chinese population. Cost inputs included drugs, hospitalization, adverse event management, stroke recurrence treatment, and rehabilitation. Since the dosage of thrombolytic drugs must be adjusted according to patient body weight, real-world weight distribution data of AIS patients from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance database (<56 kg: 22.2%; 56-64 kg: 23.3%; 64-77 kg: 39.7%; ≥77 kg: 14.2%) were utilized in the model. A weighted average per-patient drug cost was calculated based on the specific dosage requirements corresponding to the weight category.
RESULTS: Approximately 500,000-600,000 AIS patients are estimated to receive IVT each year from 2026 to 2028. Tenecteplase is expected to replace alteplase as a thrombolytic drug with a similar mechanism in the reimbursement list upon inclusion. In addition to improving clinical outcomes and reducing the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, tenecteplase could lower overall costs and medical insurance fund expenditures. Tenecteplase’s inclusion in the reimbursement list may save ¥60-220 million in healthcare costs over three years.
CONCLUSIONS: Tenecteplase demonstrates high clinical advantages, and its inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List could effectively reduce the expenditure of primary medical insurance fund.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE98
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Technology Assessment
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas