Abstract
Purpose::
To calculate the actual cost associated with treating neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) with bevacizumab (Avastin) and to determine the interval between injections.
Methods::
Consecutive patients with neovascular ARMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections at the home institution were identified. Patient charts were reviewed and the number and date of all injections was documented. Descriptive information was gathered. Average cost of bevacizumab was obtained and average real-world cost calculations were determined. Extrapolations were made to the overall neovascular ARMD population and estimates of overall treatment cost were established. The average interval between bevacizumab injections was also calculated.
Results::
Consecutive patients with neovascular ARMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections at the home institution were identified. Patient charts were reviewed and the number and date of all injections was documented. Descriptive information was gathered. Average cost of bevacizumab was obtained and average real-world cost calculations were determined. Extrapolations were made to the overall neovascular ARMD population and estimates of overall treatment cost were established. The average interval between bevacizumab injections was also calculated.
Conclusions::
The real-world cost of treating neovascular ARMD for one year exceeds $190 million.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration