OBJECTIVES : Reformulation of innovative active pharmaceutical ingredients used to treat psoriasis can produce significant improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a short-term cost-per-responder analysis of Cal/BD cutaneous foam versus Cal/BD gel in the management of mild to moderate adult patients with psoriasis vulgaris of the body (trunk and limbs).

METHODS : Treatment response was defined as a ≥ 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI-75). Data for response rates were taken from the LEO90100 clinical trial (NCT02132936) which compared Cal/BD cutaneous foam vs Cal/BD gel. Drug acquisition costs (in 2020 UK pounds) were according to the British National Formulary (Mar 2020). Only drug acquisition costs were considered, from the UK payer perspective, based upon dosing regimens and consumption derived from PSO-ABLE. Cost-per-responder at treatment week 4 was calculated for Cal/BD cutaneous foam vs Cal/BD gel at week 8 as per recommended treatment period.

RESULTS : The cost per responder for Cal/BD cutaneous foam, Cal/BD gel 60g and 120g were respectively £118.98, £274.20 and £254.64. The additional cost per responder of achieving PASI 75 with Cal/BD gel 60g and Cal/BD gel 120g compared with Cal/BD cutaneous foam was £155.22 and £135.66 respectively. The incremental cost per responder analysis for an additional patient to achieve PASI 75 showed that Cal/BD cutaneous foam dominated Cal/BD gel 60g and 120g.

CONCLUSIONS : Cal/BD cutaneous foam is more cost effective than Cal/BD gel in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.