The cost-effectiveness of bimatoprost 0.03% in the treatment of glaucoma in adult patients - a European perspective

Summary Glaucoma is a condition affecting one or both eyes with raised intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP should be reduced to prevent progression of visual field loss. This study investigates the cost‐effectiveness of bimatoprost compared with latanoprost as first‐line monotherapies in the treatment of glaucoma in Austria, Finland and France. On the basis of a single multicentre, randomised, investigator‐masked controlled trial, a 6‐ and 12‐month cost‐effectiveness model was designed following the treatment recommendations from the European Glaucoma Society. Treatment changes due to insufficient IOP reduction and adverse events were included. The cost‐effectiveness analysis showed that the need for adjunctive therapy was the major cost driver. On the basis of evidence from the randomised, investigator‐masked clinical trial (RCT), the cost‐effectiveness analysis found that bimatoprost was a cheaper and a more effective treatment strategy compared with latanoprost. This was true for all three countries and all IOP targets between 13 and 20 mmHg. The cost‐effectiveness result may be generalised to a European setting and perspective.