Cost per responder for risankizumab vs secukinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Italy

Purpose: The objective of this analysis was to compare the cost per responder between risankizumab and secukinumab among patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Italy. Methods: The clinical efficacy was assessed based on IMMerge study of published efficacy data as measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index response (PASI 90 and PASI 100) for risankizumab and secukinumab. The treatment cost was based on the number of administrations dispensed in the first (induction plus maintenance period) and the second (maintenance period only) year of treatment and the ex-factory price of each treatment. The cost per responder was adopted as a cost-effectiveness indicator. Results: Independently of the PASI response (PASI 90 and PASI 100) used and the year of treatment considered, the cost per responder was consistently lower for risankizumab compared to secukinumab in all clinical measures. For example, considering the first-year costs and PASI 100, the cost per responder for risankizumab was € 24,506.83 compared to € 38,000.00 for secukinumab. The differences in the cost per responder between risankizumab and secukinumab increased when higher PASI response levels were considered. Conclusion: This economic evaluation suggested that the cost per responder is consistently lower for risankizumab compared to secukinumab from the perspective of the Italian National Health Service in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.