Can Intravitreal Aflibercept 8 mg Result in Decreased Treatment Burden and Treatment Costs in European Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration? Early Evidence From Clinical Practice
Author(s)
Megan Druce, PhD, Izabella Lunk, Msc, Joao Carrasco, MPH, MSc.
Bayer Consumer Care AG, Basel, Switzerland.
Bayer Consumer Care AG, Basel, Switzerland.
OBJECTIVES: Treatment burden associated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is an issue for patients and healthcare systems. Nearly 25% of patients require intravitreal injections (IVT) every 6 weeks and up to 40% discontinue treatment within 2 years. Newer treatment options, such as aflibercept (AFL) 8mg offer the potential for reducing treatment burden, but the real impact in clinical practice remains uncertain. The aim of this research is to estimate the potential reduction in treatment burden and overall treatment costs, associated with the use of AFL 8mg in clinical practice.
METHODS: Data from the IRIS Registry and VESTRUM databases was used to characterize injection intervals in patients with nAMD treated with anti-VEGFs before and after switching to AFL 8mg. Treatment burden was assessed considering resources necessary for anti-VEGF IVT and standard monitoring. Direct costs associated with IVT administration and routine retinal exams were considered, while indirect costs included patient travel. The analysis estimated the potential impact in Germany, UK, France, Spain and Italy.
RESULTS: Mean IVT interval before switching to AFL 8mg was 51 days (IRIS, n=5280), corresponding to an average 9.86 (± 4.48) IVTs over 52 weeks of treatment. After switching, the mean IVT interval was 67 days, corresponding to 5.45 (±4.48) IVTs per year. This represents a mean reduction of 4.41 IVTs per patient/year. This reduction in IVTs per patient results in estimated annual direct cost reductions as follows: €2,808-€2,991 (France), €3,388-€3,882 (Spain), €3,687-€4,061 (Italy), €4,286-€4,739 (Germany) and £2,808-£3,320 (UK).
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with AFL 8mg allowed for an extension of treatment intervals, when compared to prior the switch. Switching to AFL 8mg resulted in a reduction in IVTs, with a potential to reduce the cost per patient treated. The reduction in treatment burden can further contribute to reduce the indirect costs and patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.
METHODS: Data from the IRIS Registry and VESTRUM databases was used to characterize injection intervals in patients with nAMD treated with anti-VEGFs before and after switching to AFL 8mg. Treatment burden was assessed considering resources necessary for anti-VEGF IVT and standard monitoring. Direct costs associated with IVT administration and routine retinal exams were considered, while indirect costs included patient travel. The analysis estimated the potential impact in Germany, UK, France, Spain and Italy.
RESULTS: Mean IVT interval before switching to AFL 8mg was 51 days (IRIS, n=5280), corresponding to an average 9.86 (± 4.48) IVTs over 52 weeks of treatment. After switching, the mean IVT interval was 67 days, corresponding to 5.45 (±4.48) IVTs per year. This represents a mean reduction of 4.41 IVTs per patient/year. This reduction in IVTs per patient results in estimated annual direct cost reductions as follows: €2,808-€2,991 (France), €3,388-€3,882 (Spain), €3,687-€4,061 (Italy), €4,286-€4,739 (Germany) and £2,808-£3,320 (UK).
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with AFL 8mg allowed for an extension of treatment intervals, when compared to prior the switch. Switching to AFL 8mg resulted in a reduction in IVTs, with a potential to reduce the cost per patient treated. The reduction in treatment burden can further contribute to reduce the indirect costs and patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE120
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Real World Data & Information Systems
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)