Norgine's Xifaxan/Targaxan demonstrates cost-effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy

Two new analyses have shown the cost-effectiveness of Netherlands-headquartered Norgine's Xifaxan/Targaxan 550 (rifaximin-α 550mg) in recurrent hepatic encephalopathy.

A study on Belgian and Dutch cirrhotic patients with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy showed Xifaxan/Targaxan was cost-effective with standard of care, lactulose, versus standard of care alone. Analysis of the Belgian patients showed that rifaximin-α 550mg with lactulose was less costly and more effective than lactulose alone. This was derived from estimates of cost and quality adjusted life year measures, based on key parameters including hospital admissions and length of stay. In Dutch patients, use of the two drugs together represented good use of economic resource and was cost-effective compared with lactulose alone. Analysis demonstrated a cost saving in Belgium of 12,927 euros ($13,838) per person over a five-year time horizon. In the Netherlands, a cost effective base-case incremental cost effectiveness ratio of 31,897 euros over a lifetime horizon was demonstrated.

Peter Martin, chief operating officer at Norgine, said: “These new analyses are significant because they further demonstrate the value of Xifaxan/Targaxan 550 as an effective treatment to manage hepatic encephalopathy, a debilitating condition that currently has no cure apart from liver transplantation.”