OBJECTIVES: The PSOVALUE project pursued a triple objective related to the management of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Spain: 1) to identify and quantify unmet needs; 2) to determine, through a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), the value contribution of a new biologic drug; 3) to analyse the social value of achieving a sustained response to treatment.

METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used: scientific literature review, a focus group with patients, and an advisory multidisciplinary committee composed by twelve experts. 1) A structured questionnaire was designed to elicit unmet needs. 2) The estimated added value of bimekizumab, compared to six alternatives, was obtained by combining weights and scores assigned by the committee. 3) An economic 1-year time horizon model was applied to estimate the social value of achieving a Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 90 or PASI100 response in comparison with a PASI75 response.

RESULTS: 1) A total of 65 unmet needs were identified and categorized into four areas: clinical, patient related, decision-making process, and social. The most relevant unmet needs were to incorporate outcomes that are important to patients and to have treatments that achieve total clearance with a quick onset of action and long-term persistence. 2) Bimekizumab was assessed as an intervention with a positive value contribution in comparison to any of the alternatives, as it combines a higher level of clearance, rapidity, and persistence with a similar safety/tolerability profile. 3) Moving from PASI75 to PASI90 or PASI100 would represent an added social value of €2,183 and €4,786 per patient, respectively, mainly attributed to work productivity gains.

CONCLUSIONS: A sustained response in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis would address relevant unmet needs and generate a substantial social value.