Carfilzomib Cost-effective for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

For patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the administration of carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) was found to be cost-effective when compared the cost of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone alone (Rd) according to the Kyprolis Global Economic Model (K-GEM), which was published in the Journal of Medical Economics.¹

The K-GEM demonstrated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $107,250 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). When compared with willingness-to-pay estimates of $150,000 to $300,000 per QALY, the K-GEM showed that carfilzomib provides substantial value.

“We recognize that there are different methods, assumptions, and perspectives needed to assess the value of innovation,” said Joshua Ofman, MD, MSHS, senior vice president of Global Value and Access at Amgen. “The K-GEM was developed with input from experts worldwide as one of the multiple perspectives needed to assess value.”

For the cost-effectiveness analysis, researchers incorporated data from the phase 3 ASPIRE trial, which directly compared the efficacy and safety of KRd with that of Rd alone. Results of that trial showed that the addition of carfilzomib was associated with a significant 8.6-month improvement in median progression-free survival (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57-0.83; P < .0001).

“Robust analysis, relying on clinical trial data to assess cost-effectiveness analysis is one approach that can help inform payer and provider decision-making related to value and costs, said Dr Ofman. Ultimately, individual patient treatment decisions for diseases like multiple myeloma should be made by doctors and their patients, based on sound clinical data and evidence-based practice guidelines.”

Carfilzomib is approved in the United States as a single agent, as well as in conjunction with dexamethasone or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have already received 1 to 3 lines of therapy.

Reference

1. Kyprolis (carfilzomib) demonstrates economic value in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma manuscript published in “Journal of Medical Economics.”PR Newswire.http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kyprolis-carfilzomib-demonstrates-economic-value-in-relapsed-or-refractory-multiple-myeloma-manuscript-published-in-journal-of-medical-economics-300275806.html. Published May 26, 2016. Accessed May 27, 2016.