Economic Evaluation of the PCSK9 Inhibitors in Prevention of the Cardiovascular Diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to explore and summarize the current literature on the cardiovascular disease (CVD) healthcare burden and determine the cost-effectiveness of the PCSK9 inhibitors.

RECENT FINDINGS

The CVD remain the largest cause of mortality in the USA presenting substantial healthcare cost burden reaching $555 billion in 2016 and projected to rise to $1.1 trillion by 2035. The PCSK9 inhibitors have shown strong efficacy in LDLC lowering, but its price of ~ 14,000-14,600 per patient per year coupled with ~ 2.2-2.8 years of cardiovascular outcome data has created many controversies surrounding its cost-effectiveness. To determine the cost-effectiveness of the PCSK9 inhibitors, various simulation models and risk-based stratification and case-by-case patient approachs have yielded divisive data which need to be reassessed as per the ODYSSEY and long-term CVD outcomes. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term CVD event rates of patients on the PCSK9 inhibitors to determine its true cost-effectiveness.