A recent study highlights a significant cost advantage in treating severe postmenopausal osteoporosis among Mexican women at very high risk of fractures. By comparing romosozumab followed by denosumab to the traditional teriparatide followed by denosumab regimen, researchers discovered notable benefits in both cost reduction and health outcomes.
Study Methodology and Population
Utilizing a Markov model, the research simulated a cohort of 74-year-old women with a T-score of -2.5 and a history of fragility fractures. The analysis spanned a lifetime horizon, incorporating a discount rate of 5% annually from the perspective of the Mexican healthcare system. The study meticulously translated the bone mineral density advantages of romosozumab over teriparatide into relative fracture risks, referencing a meta-regression of osteoporosis therapy trials.
Economic and Health Outcomes
Key findings revealed that the romosozumab-denosumab sequence reduced costs by 51,363 MXN per patient compared to the teriparatide-denosumab regimen. Additionally, patients experienced a slight increase in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and life-years gained (LYs). These results remained consistent across various scenario and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, underscoring the robustness of the study’s conclusions.
Inferences
- Romosozumab demonstrates superior bone mineral density improvement compared to teriparatide.
- Cost savings are substantial, potentially easing the financial burden on the Mexican healthcare system.
- Incremental health benefits, though modest, indicate enhanced patient quality of life.
- Model robustness suggests reliability in diverse real-world settings.
The comparative analysis underscores romosozumab’s edge in both economic and health metrics, positioning it as a favorable option for managing severe osteoporosis in high-risk populations. By extending treatment sequences to denosumab, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of long-term outcomes and cost implications.
Healthcare providers and policymakers in Mexico may consider these findings to optimize osteoporosis treatment protocols, potentially allocating resources more efficiently while improving patient care standards. The integration of such cost-effective treatments could lead to broader access and better management of osteoporosis-related fractures in the aging female population.
Implementing romosozumab as a first-line treatment could revolutionize osteoporosis care, offering both economic and therapeutic advantages. Future research might explore the long-term adherence and real-world effectiveness of this treatment sequence, further validating its role in clinical practice.
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