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.