Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: In April 2022, Japan introduced a new reimbursement system for fertility treatments. It is important to understand key cost drivers of fertility treatment under this new system when determining future policy. This analysis examines the cost for fertility treatment with one fresh embryo transfer leading to a live birth in Japan. Moreover, we consider the proportion of costs attributed to different aspects of treatment including screening and monitoring, ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, etc. and how those costs differ from those reported for two reference markets and South Korea.
METHODS: A targeted review on publications related to treatment and reimbursement prices for Japan was performed to determine the costs associated with ART treatment. Similar to previous published analyses, costs were grouped according to the treatment phase. Expert clinicians in Japan provided additional clarifications as required. Total costs related to one ART treatment cycle leading to a live birth and the proportion attributed to ovarian stimulation drug costs for r-hFSH alfa originator are considered.
RESULTS: The total costs of one ART treatment cycle leading to a live birth in Japan are estimated at 8,156 EUR (1 EUR = 161.29 JPY), which is lower than previously estimated costs for the UK but higher than those reported for Germany and South Korea. The r-hFSH alfa originator drug accounted for approximately 4.2% of the total ART treatment costs in Japan, compared to 7.9%, 16.5%, 5.1% in the UK, Germany, and South Korea, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Costs associated with oocyte retrieval, pregnancy, and live birth constitute the majority of ART treatment expenses in Japan. In contrast, costs for the r-hFSH alfa originator drug represent only a small fraction of expenses in Japan - lower than those reported for three benchmark markets - possibly due to the use of natural or low-stimulation cycles, which typically require less medication.