Cost‐effectiveness analysis of voglibose for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese patients with impaired glucose tolerance

Aims/Introduction:  The objective of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of administering voglibose, in addition to standard care of diet and exercise, compared with standard care alone for high‐risk Japanese patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Materials and Methods:  A Markov model was constructed to estimate the long‐term prognosis of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, in terms of expected medical costs and life expectancy. Transition probabilities were derived from the results of a clinical trial of voglibose, as well as the epidemiological information. Effectiveness was evaluated by life expectancy and only direct costs were considered. The future costs and effectiveness were discounted by 3% per year. Results:  Estimated expected lifetime costs for the voglibose administration group and the standard care group was JPY718,724 ($US7598) and JPY1,365,405 ($US14,433), respectively, with voglibose administration resulting in saving of JPY646,681 ($US6836). Estimated life expectancy was 18.672 and 18.073 years, respectively, with life expectancy prolonged by 0.599 years when voglibose was administered together with the standard care. Conclusions:  In order to prevent type 2 diabetes among Japanese patients with impaired glucose tolerance, voglibose with standard care resulted in cost‐saving, as well as prolongation of life expectancy, compared with standard care alone. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.0052.x, 2010)