Study shows Xifaxan/Targaxan (rifaximin) cost effective versus lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy-Norgine

Norgine B.V. has presented new analyses demonstrating the cost effectiveness of Xifaxan/Targaxan (rifaximin-alfa 550mg) treatment in Belgian and Dutch cirrhotic patients with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy with standard of care (lactulose) versus standard of care alone. The Belgian analyses demonstrate that over a five-year time horizon, treatment with rifaximin-alfa 550mg plus lactulose was both less costly and more effective than with lactulose alone. The analysis was derived from estimates of cost and quality adjusted life year (QALY) measures, which were based on key parameters, including length of hospital stay and number of hospital admissions.

In Dutch patients, the data show use of rifaximin-alfa 550mg plus lactulose represented good use of economic resource and was cost-effective compared with lactulose alone. Outcome metrics were incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) derived from QALY estimates and estimates of impact of work productivity loss upon patient/carer using a friction cost method reflecting patient and societal considerations in the model. Both studies showed positive data for rifaximin-alfa 550mg, demonstrating a cost saving in Belgium of �12,927 per person over a 5 year time horizon. In the Netherlands, a cost effective base-case ICER of �31,897 over a lifetime horizon was demonstrated. These data were presented at the ISPOR Annual Congress 2015, Milan, Italy.