DOES IRELAND NEED GENETIC TESTING? A HEALTH ECONOMICS PERSPECTIVE ON IRISH PRESCRIBING TRENDS, ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND THE IMPACT OF PHARMACOGENOMIC TESTING
Author(s)
Vanessa Nobles, PhD1, AnneMarie Larkin, PhD2, Andrew McCloskey, PhD3, Marion McAfee, PhD4, Richeal Burns, PhD1.
1Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, 2Department of Life Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, 3Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny, Ireland, 4Department of Mechatronic Engineering, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland.
1Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, 2Department of Life Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, 3Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny, Ireland, 4Department of Mechatronic Engineering, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland.
OBJECTIVES: In Ireland, the population aged 65 and over is projected to double from over 833,000 to top 1.6 million by 2051: polypharmacy is an increasing concern for risk of adverse drug reactions and associated medical resource utilisation, resulting in spiralling healthcare demands. Reducing emergency room visits from adverse drug reactions may address this challenge. The Irish TILDA study highlighted the use of five or more medications increased from 18% to 60% in older adults from 2016 to 2020.
Pharmacogenomics testing reduces adverse drug reactions and has been successfully implemented in several countries. This analysis seeks to determine estimated cost savings of pharmacogenomics testing in Ireland, further supporting policy stakeholders’ healthcare system priorities in favour of pre-emptive testing.
METHODS: An economic assessment framework was developed using national demographic and prescribing data, population genomics data and adverse drug reaction statistics to inform an economic forecasting model and budget impact analysis of the introduction of Pharmacogenomics testing prior to prescribing compared to standard care. Several scenario analyses were conducted to assess the range of cost-savings associated with various models of care including Pharmacogenomics testing.
RESULTS: The cost of a pharmacogenetic test varies across providers and level of genome sequencing required. Even high-cost scenarios, indicate increased potential for cost savings when applied to top prescribed medications in Ireland, including Atorvastatin, Esomeprazole, Codeine and Acetylsalicylic Acid. Leading medications prescribed have high usage, present a substantial economic burden on the healthcare system, have varying proportions of patients that are poor metabolisers resulting in sub-optimal efficacy and increased adverse events, all of which requires further care strategies.
CONCLUSIONS: Pre-emptive pharmacogenomic testing for prescribed medications is a potential alternative to additional healthcare needs and adverse drug reactions costs. Potential for offsetting excess healthcare costs in an increasingly aging population is critical for the future of Irish healthcare system sustainability.
Pharmacogenomics testing reduces adverse drug reactions and has been successfully implemented in several countries. This analysis seeks to determine estimated cost savings of pharmacogenomics testing in Ireland, further supporting policy stakeholders’ healthcare system priorities in favour of pre-emptive testing.
METHODS: An economic assessment framework was developed using national demographic and prescribing data, population genomics data and adverse drug reaction statistics to inform an economic forecasting model and budget impact analysis of the introduction of Pharmacogenomics testing prior to prescribing compared to standard care. Several scenario analyses were conducted to assess the range of cost-savings associated with various models of care including Pharmacogenomics testing.
RESULTS: The cost of a pharmacogenetic test varies across providers and level of genome sequencing required. Even high-cost scenarios, indicate increased potential for cost savings when applied to top prescribed medications in Ireland, including Atorvastatin, Esomeprazole, Codeine and Acetylsalicylic Acid. Leading medications prescribed have high usage, present a substantial economic burden on the healthcare system, have varying proportions of patients that are poor metabolisers resulting in sub-optimal efficacy and increased adverse events, all of which requires further care strategies.
CONCLUSIONS: Pre-emptive pharmacogenomic testing for prescribed medications is a potential alternative to additional healthcare needs and adverse drug reactions costs. Potential for offsetting excess healthcare costs in an increasingly aging population is critical for the future of Irish healthcare system sustainability.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
EE712
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Generics, Genetic, Regenerative & Curative Therapies, Personalized & Precision Medicine, Systemic Disorders/Conditions (Anesthesia, Auto-Immune Disorders (n.e.c.), Hematological Disorders (non-oncologic), Pain)