OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the budgetary impact of introducing Expanded Haemodialysis enabled by Theranova (HDx) versus High-Flux Haemodialysis (HF-HD) in the private sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

METHODS: An excel-based budget impact model was used to assess the overall cost of HF-HD patients versus those on HDx therapy over five-years from payers’ perspectives, specifically in private sector hospitals. Comprehensive literature review and expert interviews were conducted to collect the model inputs. The model inputs included epidemiology data derived from the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT) and unit costs for kidney failure management, utilizing different services and medication plus Theranova dialyzer versus the current HF-HD modality in different private hospitals around the kingdom.

RESULTS: Choosing to provide conventional HF-HD Therapy will have a total cost of USD $11,483 (SAR 43,060; US Dollar [USD] $1 = Saudi Riyal [SAR] 3.75) per patient per year, while choosing HDx Therapy will have a total cost of USD $10,220 (SAR 38,323) per patient per year. The overall cost saving of USD $1,263 (SAR 4,737) per patient per year is driven primarily by the reductions in hospitalization, USD $907 (SAR 3,401), followed by reductions in dose of Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents, USD $298 (SAR 1,119), per patient per year. Over 5 years, the overall cost savings per patient treated in private sector hospitals were USD $6,316 (SAR 23,683).

CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study highlighted the benefits of improving the clinical outcomes, including the quality of life, providing HDx as an alternative line therapy reduces hospitalizations and use of medications; Its increased adoption will lead to improved cost savings. In addition, focused on economic costs associated with Haemodialysis (HD) practice in KSA and emphasizes the need for broader usage of different HD modalities.