Abstract
BACKGROUND: To compare the cost-effectiveness of originator (reference) recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone alfa (rhFSH-α) (follitropin alfa, GONAL-f) and its biosimilar (rhFSH, JinSaiHeng) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) from a Chinese patient perspective. METHODS: A decision tree model was developed to simulate the treatment pathway of infertile women undergoing ART using GONAL-f or JinSaiHeng. Published clinical and cost data were used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the rhFSH-α. The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), direct medical costs and costs per cumulative live birth were estimated via an analytic decision-tree model. RESULTS: CLBR of GONAL-f was higher than JinSaiHeng preparation (88.3% vs 84.4%), while the cost per cumulative live birth was lower (51,475 vs 52,095 CNY). CONCLUSION: The originator rhFSH-α was associated with higher CLBR and lower cost per cumulative live birth, with incremental cost per additional live birth of 38,096 CNY (Chinese Yuan).