While Relieving Patient Distress
New Data Makes the Case for Patient Care Without Cost Compromises
MADRID, Spain, April 27 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- The following was issued today by Janssen Pharmaceutica:
A major new study evaluating the cost-effectiveness (1,901 patients, 61 centres, 9 countries) of newer treatments for schizophrenia have shown that treatment with Risperdal(R) (risperidone) is 50% less expensive than olanzapine, with no difference in clinical outcomes(1). The results provide compelling evidence on the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Risperdal, and will reassure patients, families and healthcare providers looking for cost-effective treatments for one of the most common and severe mental illnesses.
Professor Martin Knapp, professor of Social Policy, at the London School of Economics explained, "The major costs of treating schizophrenia result from hospitalisation, with drug costs only accounting for less than 5 percent of the direct medical costs. We already know that the newer medicines are more effective and have fewer side effects than older medicines, which means that people are more likely to stay on therapy and less likely to require re-admission to hospital. Treatment with one of these new therapies, Risperdal, has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse by as much as 30% when compared to an older therapy such as haloperidol(2)".
Studies directly comparing the cost effectiveness between the new schizophrenia treatments are vital to justify modern prescribing decisions. "This new data from the RODOS study(1) now answers long-standing questions about the differences in cost and effectiveness between these new treatments, and provides doctors and healthcare providers with the evidence they need to ensure cost-effective prescribing for schizophrenia," said Professor Siegfried Kasper MD, professor and chairman, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Vienna.
The objective of the RODOS study (Risperidone Olanzapine Drug Outcomes study in Schizophrenia conducted by the Janssen Research Foundation) was to compare two newer schizophrenia medicines, Risperdal and olanzapine, in a real-life clinical setting.
The results of the study showed that the daily cost of the studied medication was 50% higher for olanzapine than for Risperdal and this was consistent across all countries and centres (average daily cost of treatment per patient was $6.50 US dollars for olanzapine versus $3.70 US dollars with Risperdal). Total costs for all inpatient drug use were also significantly different and were substantially higher in the olanzapine group than in the Risperal group. Patients treated with Risperdal were also discharged sooner than patients being treated with olanzapine. This result was reflected in the shorter length of stay in hospital among Risperdal patients (mean 43.6 days versus 47.4 days) rather than olanzapine patients.
"These results are good news because better treatment for schizophrenia should reduce the burden of illness for patients and their families, as well as the costs to healthcare budgets and society at large. This has significant implications for prescribing by psychiatrists and primary care specialists around the world," said Professor Kasper.
Schizophrenia is one of the most common severe mental illnesses, and can result in long term chronic disability. It is the most expensive psychiatric disorder to treat(3), and places a major economic burden on society. Treatment of schizophrenia accounts for approximately 2.5% of annual total healthcare expenditure in the USA, 2% in France and the Netherlands, and 1.6% in the UK.
Medical professionals want the best possible outcomes for patients, but in today's increasingly cost constrained health environment, doctors have to justify their prescribing decisions. After a first schizophrenic breakdown, more than 81% of patients will experience at least one relapse within 5 years(4). Without effective treatment to reduce relapse and consequent hospitalisation, the costs resulting from sub-optimal treatment can be substantial.
"Inadequate treatment of schizophrenia perpetuates the enormous human burden on patients and their families. We now know the profound impact that newer antipsychotic medications can have on improving patients' lives. We should be working towards the widespread adoption of new therapies, including the new 'atypical' antipsychotics, which have proven benefits in terms of cost and outcomes," said Gary Hogman of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, UK.
Janssen Pharmaceutica is headquartered in Beerse, Belgium. Risperdal is marketed globally by Janssen-Cilag, and in partnership with NV Organon in the European Union (except for Italy, Spain and Finland, where it is marketed by Janssen-Cilag only), Norway, Switzerland, Brazil and Argentina. Janssen Pharmaceutica has been a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies since 1961. Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest and most comprehensive manufacturer of healthcare products, serving the pharmaceutical, professional and consumer markets.
References:
1. "Risperidone and Olanzapine Drug Outcomes Study in Schizophrenia".
Presented at Risperdal: From Experience to Confidence,
27th April 2000, Madrid, Spain.
2. Csernansky, J et al. "Risperidone vs. haloperidol for prevention of
schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders: A long term
double-blind comparison". Presented at the 11th World Congress of
Psychiatry, 6-11th August, Hamburg, Germany.
3. Harris, EC. Barraclough, B. "Excess mortality of mental disorder".
British Journal of Psychiatry 1998,173,11-53.
4. Robinson D et al. "Predictors of relapse following response from a
first episode of schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder". Arch
Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56: 241-247.
SOURCE: Janssen Pharmaceutica
CONTACT: Melissa Katz of Janssen Pharmaceutica, +32-7596-5263; or Anna
Korving, +44-410-420-523, or Roseann Ward, +44-778-099-0848,
or Tamsin Page, +44-20-7465-7688, all of Ketchum, for Janssen
Pharmaceutica
