Real-world US healthcare costs of psoriasis for biologic-naive patients initiating apremilast or biologics

Aim: Biologics and apremilast have advanced psoriasis management by adding treatment options. This study evaluated persistence, adherence and healthcare costs among biologic-naive patients receiving apremilast or biologics. Methods: Administrative claims data for adults starting apremilast or biologics from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2016 were matched based on demographics. Results: Apremilast (n=703) and biologics (n=1378) had similar baseline characteristics. 12-month persistence and adherence rates were similar. Adjusted total healthcare costs were lower with apremilast versus biologics (p<0.001) due to lower total outpatient pharmacy costs (p<0.001). Conclusion: Real-world apremilast users had similar adherence and lower total healthcare costs versus biologic users. Apremilast's cost advantage was evident regardless of whether the patients were persistent or nonpersistent, or switched or did not switch treatments.