New Humira data shows improved quality of life in ulcerative colitis patients
pharmafile | June 23, 2016 | News story | Research and Development | AbbVie, Humira, data, ulcerative colitis
New data on Humira (adalimumab) has been presented at the British Society of Gastroenterology, demonstrating the drug’s efficacy and improvement in quality of life measures from as early as two weeks in patients with ulcerative colitis.
In the INSPIRADA study, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) was very keen to tie these efficacy and quality of life measures together with Humira’s utilisation of health care resources. With a range of new biologics and biosimilars looking to take a share of Humira’s blockbuster sales, these data attempt to show how Humira not only relieves symptoms and improves quality of life, but how it is cost effective for health care payers also.
In terms of ulcerative colitis, which affects 146,000 people in the UK alone, Humira is recommended by NICE as a treatment option if conventional therapy hasn’t worked, or isn’t suitable. In the INSPIRADA trial, 74% of patients (from a population of 90) achieved a clinical response after two weeks. At the end of the 26 week period, 42% of UK patients were in remission.
In terms of quality of life, AbbVie suggests that that Humira has a substantial impact on patient’s lives beyond symptom control. Using measures such as the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire, and the treatment satisfaction with medication score, patients reported a much improved quality of life as well as significant improvements in work productivity.
In terms of cost, the data suggests that that costs related to the medical care of ulcerative colitis patients, in terms of hospitalisations and outpatient procedures, for example, were reduced by 67% six months after treatment with Humira. In monetary terms, this worked out as £1,858 per patient. Similarly, total ulcerative colitis-related costs, including costs associated with medical care and costs associated with work absenteeism and disability, reduced by 58%, or £6,001 per patient.
Dr Peter Irving, consultant gastroenterologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, says: “NICE approval of anti-TNF therapy for ulcerative colitis has resulted in more patients gaining access to biologics to treat a life-impacting condition. However, limited real-life data on the use of these medicines in clinical practice exists. Studies like INSPIRADA provide evidence on patient outcomes and cost effectiveness of biologics in the clinical setting. They are therefore especially valuable in helping us understanding how to ensure we make the right decisions for our patients in a period of increased pressure on services.”
Sean Murray
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