Cost-utility analysis of latanoprost unidose cationic emulsion preservative-free versus latanoprost unidose in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients in Spain.

Background: This study evaluated the efficiency CE-latanoprost unidose (cationic emulsion of latanoprost) versus latanoprost unidose (non-emulsion formulation) in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OAG/OHT) with concomitant ocular surface disease (OSD) patients' treatment in Spain.

Methods: A cost-utility analysis was performed using a Markov model simulating the progression of OAG/OHT. From a Spanish National Health System perspective over a 5-year time horizon, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the total cost of each therapy were estimated (annual discount rate: 3%). Therapy efficacy included adherence, disease progression, and OSD reduction. Utility values for OAG/OHT and OSD-related disutility values were obtained from literature. Five ophthalmologists validated all included parameters. Total costs (€, 2023) included CE-latanoprost or latanoprost drug acquisition (€10/30 single-dose), glaucoma diagnosis, patient follow-up, and OAG management costs.

Results: The base case results showed that CE-latanoprost unidose increased health outcomes (2.69 vs. 2.49 QALYs) and lowered costs (€5,292.12 vs. €5,441.55) being a dominant option (0.21 QALYs gained and €149.43 less) compared to latanoprost unidose.

Conclusions: CE-latanoprost unidose was a cost-effective option for the treatment of patients with OAG/OHT and OSD in comparison to latanoprost unidose (non-emulsion formulation). In addition to its clinical benefits, the economic analysis supports using CE-latanoprost in terms of efficiency.