OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to examine the cost minimization of dexamethasone intravitreal implants for macular edema caused by branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in China.

METHODS

From a payer’s perspective, the cost-minimization analysis method was used to calculate and compare the direct medical costs of dexamethasone intravitreal implant and ranibizumab in the treatment of macular edema for 6 months in China. Adverse reactions only included elevated intraocular pressure. Cost data was obtained through clinical expert consultation and drug tender data. Other data sources included literature retrieval and expert consultation.

RESULTS

Given the similar clinical effectiveness in real world evidence, the direct medical cost of dexamethasone intravitreal implant for BRVO-ME was USD1,574 (RMB11,016) less than that of ranibizumab. For CRVO-ME, the direct medical cost of dexamethasone intravitreal implant was USD1,157(RMB8,101) less than that of ranibizumab. The univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the two factors of the greatest impact were the number of dexamethasone intravitreal implant injections and the number of ranibizumab injections.

CONCLUSIONS

The direct medical cost of dexamethasone intravitreal implant for BRVO-ME and CRVO-ME was less than that of ranibizumab.