OBJECTIVE

This study determined which of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) agents is the most cost-effective in treating patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

This study was a cost-effectiveness analysis. A decision-analytic Markov cohort model of the natural history and treatment of DME was developed. Data was obtained from a meta-analysis by Virgili et al. on anti-VEGFs for DME in which intravitreal injections of bevacizumab given monthly, 6-weekly, and 12-weekly; ranibizumab given monthly, bimonthly, and as necessary; aflibercept given monthly, bimonthly, and as necessary; and macular laser therapy were evaluated for efficacy and safety in 4,413 eyes. Costs were obtained from local standard retail price at a tertiary government institution and assumed an out-of-pocket expenditure. The study measured and compared gains in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental costeffectiveness ratios (ICERs) for each treatment regimen.

Quarterly bevacizumab, monthly ranibizumab (3.82 QALY), and bimonthly ranibizumab injections were the three most beneficial dosing schedules in terms of clinical effectiveness at 3.81, 3.82, and 3.89 QALY, respectively. However, in terms of cost, bevacizumab was substantially most affordable. Quarterly dosing of bevacizumab provided the best value for money, with an ICER of PhP 9,661.70 per QALY gained.

Quarterly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab were identified as the most cost-effective treatment regimen for DME. To be considered cost-effective alternatives, ranibizumab requires an 85% price reduction, while aflibercept needs a price reduction exceeding 95%. We recommend quarterly bevacizumab injections be included in the national insurance coverage package, given their cost-effectiveness and clinical efficacy in the treatment of DME.