Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of Daratumumab, Lenalidomide and dexamethasone for relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma

Background The prominent efficacy in terms of increasing progression-free survival (PFS) of Daratumumab, Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) triplet therapy versus Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) was proven previously in relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, the cost effectiveness of DRd versus KRd is unknown. Methods We developed a Markov model by using an Iranian payer perspective and a 10-year time horizon to estimate the healthcare cost, Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and life years gain (LYG) for DRd and KRd triplet therapies. Clinical data were obtained from meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess model uncertainty. Budget impact analysis of 5 years of treatment under the DRd triplet therapy was also analysed. Results DRd was estimated to be more effective compared to KRd, providing 0.28 QALY gain over the modelled horizon. DRd-treated patients incurred $264 in total additional costs. The incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR) and cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) were $956/QALY and $472/LYG respectively. The budget impact analysis indicates that adding Daratumumab to Lenalidomide and dexamethasone regimen, in the first 5 years, will increase the healthcare system’s expenses by $6.170.582. Conclusion DRd triplet therapy compared to KRd is a cost-effective regimen for RRMM under Iran willingness-to-pay threshold.