Cost-utility of long-term strontium ranelate treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic women
The results of this study suggested that long-term treatment with strontium ranelate over 5 years is cost-effective compared to no treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic women. This study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of long-term strontium ranelate treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic women. A validated Markov microsimulation model with a Belgian healthcare cost perspective was used to assess the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of strontium ranelate compared to no treatment, on a basis of calcium/vit D supplementation if needed. Analyses were performed for women aged 70, 75, and 80 years either with a bone mineral density T-score ≤ −2.5 SD or with prevalent vertebral fractures. The relative risk of fracture during therapy was derived from the Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis Study trial over 5 years of treatment. Parameter uncertainty was evaluated using both univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Strontium ranelate was cost-saving at the age of 80 years in both populations. For women with a T-score ≤ −2.5 SD, the costs per QALY gained of strontium ranelate were respectively €15,096 and €6,913 at 70 and 75 years of age while these values were €23,426 and €9,698 for women with prevalent vertebral fractures. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust over a wide range of assumptions. This study suggested that, compared to no treatment, long-term strontium ranelate treatment is cost-effective for postmenopausal osteoporotic women.