Cost-effectiveness analysis and budgetary impact of anidulafungin treatment for patients with candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis in Brazil

ABSTRACT Candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis (C/IC) are serious conditions, especially for immunosuppressed individuals with prolonged hospitalization in intensive care units (ICU). This study analyzed the incremental cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact (BI) of treatment for IC with anidulafungin compared to amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) and amphotericin B deoxycholate (ABD) or conventional amphotericin B (CAB), in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). A decision model was conducted with a time horizon of two weeks from the perspective of SUS. The primary effectiveness endpoints were survival and treatment response rate. All patients were followed up until successful therapy or death. BI analysis was performed based on the measured demand method. A five-year time horizon was adopted based on the number of hospitalizations (per 1,000 hospitalizations). For effectiveness measured in the successful response rate (SRR), anidulafungin dominated the ABLC and ABD formulations. In the results of the analysis with the effectiveness measured according to survival, anidulafungin had a better cost-effectiveness ratio (R$988.26/survival) compared to ABD (R$16,359.50/survival). The BI estimate related to the incorporation of anidulafungin suggests savings of approximately 148 million reais in 5 years when comparing it to ABD. The economic evaluation of anidulafungin and its comparators found it to be cost-effective. The consensus of international scientific societies recommends it as a first-line drug for IC, and its incorporation by SUS would be important.

Multidrug-resistant Candida glabrata strains obtained by induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and biofilm cells

Candida glabrata has emerged as a common cause of serious life-threatening fungal infections, largely owing to their low susceptibility to azole antifungals. Recent guidance indicates the use of echinocandins as the first-choice drug for the treatment of systemic infections of C. glabrata; however, C. glabrata resistance to echinocandins is reportedly increasing. Herein, we present the induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and sessile cells of C. glabrata and the development of fluconazole cross-resistance. MICs of 21 clinical C. glabrata strains were determined by a broth microdilution method using anidulafungin and fluconazole. Biofilm formation on a tracheal catheter was determined using 1- × 1-cm2 polyvinyl polychloride catheter fragments. Induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and sessile cells and evaluation of its stability were performed by exposing the strains to successively higher concentrations of the antifungal. The induction resulted in strains strongly resistant to anidulafungin (MICs: 1-2 µg/mL) and fluconazole (≥64 µg/mL). Most of the sessile cells of C. glabrata presented slightly reduced susceptibility compared with the planktonic cells. Clinically, this cross-resistance could lead to therapeutic failure while using fluconazole in patients previously exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of anidulafungin for extended periods.

Anidulafungina en niños: experiencia de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel en Argentina / Ánidulafungin in children: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital in Argentina

La experiencia con anidulafungina en el tratamiento de infecciones fúngicas invasivas en pediatría es escasa. Se presenta nuestra experiencia en 55 niños. La anidulafungina se administró por vía intravenosa en la dosis de carga de 3 mg/kg en una sola dosis diaria, seguida de 1,5 mg/kg cada 24 h durante una media de 14 días (rango, 7-22 d.). La mediana de edad de los pacientes fue de 114 meses (rango intercuartíhco, 32168 m.). Todos los pacientes tenían enfermedades subyacentes. En los trasplantados de médula ósea, la diferencia entre el valor inicial y al final de la administración del fármaco en el recuento de glóbulos blancos, valores de transaminasas y función renal no fue significativo. Ninguno de los pacientes tuvo eventos adversos o murió por causas relacionadas con anidulafungina. La anidulafungina podría ser una opción para la profilaxis o el tratamiento de las infecciones fúngicas invasivas en pediatría, aunque se requieren estudios metodológicamente sólidos para probarlo.

The experience using anidulafungin for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in pediatrics is limited. In this article, we describe our experience in 55 children. Anidulafungin was administered intravenously at a loading dose of 3 mg/kg once daily, followed by 1.5 mg/kg every 24 hours over a mean period of 14 days (range: 7-22 days). Patients' median age was 114 months old (interquartile range: 32-168 months old). All patients had underlying diseases. Among patients with bone marrow transplant, the difference in white blood cell count, transaminase levels, and renal function at baseline and at the end of anidulafungin administration was not significant. No adverse events were reported and no patient died from an anidulafungin-related cause. Anidulafungin may be considered an alternative for the prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections in pediatrics but methodologically robust studies are needed to confirm this.

Anidulafungin in children: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital in Argentina. / Anidulafungina en niños: experiencia de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel en Argentina.

The experience using anidulafungin for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in pediatrics is limited. In this article, we describe our experience in 55 children. Anidulafungin was administered intravenously at a loading dose of 3 mg/kg once daily, followed by 1.5 mg/kg every 24 hours over a mean period of 14 days (range: 7-22 days). Patients' median age was 114 months old (interquartile range: 32-168 months old). All patients had underlying diseases. Among patients with bone marrow transplant, the difference in white blood cell count, transaminase levels, and renal function at baseline and at the end of anidulafungin administration was not significant. No adverse events were reported and no patient died from an anidulafungin-related cause. Anidulafungin may be considered an alternative for the prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections in pediatrics but methodologically robust studies are needed to confirm this.

La experiencia con anidulafungina en el tratamiento de infecciones fúngicas invasivas en pediatría es escasa. Se presenta nuestra experiencia en 55 niños. La anidulafungina se administró por vía intravenosa en la dosis de carga de 3 mg/kg en una sola dosis diaria, seguida de 1,5 mg/kg cada 24 h durante una media de 14 días (rango, 7-22 d.). La mediana de edad de los pacientes fue de 114 meses (rango intercuartílico, 32-168 m.). Todos los pacientes tenían enfermedades subyacentes. En los trasplantados de médula ósea, la diferencia entre el valor inicial y al final de la administración del fármaco en el recuento de glóbulos blancos, valores de transaminasas y función renal no fue significativo. Ninguno de los pacientes tuvo eventos adversos o murió por causas relacionadas con anidulafungina. La anidulafungina podría ser una opción para la profilaxis o el tratamiento de las infecciones fúngicas invasivas en pediatría, aunque se requieren estudios metodológicamente sólidos para probarlo.

Anidulafungina en niños: Experiencia en niños con trasplante de médula ósea / Anidulafungin in children: experience in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation

Introducción: Las infecciones fúngicas invasoras (IFI) son un problema de salud cada vez mayor, y se asocian con una alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Las nuevas opciones terapéuticas, tales como las equinocandinas y entre estos anidulafungina, se han utilizado en la población adulta, pero en pacientes pediátricos con trasplante de médula ósea la experiencia es escasa. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo es presentar nuestra experiencia con el uso de la anidulafungina como profilaxis o tratamiento en pacientes con trasplante de médula ósea. Material y métodos: Entre enero hasta junio 2016, 29 pacientes trasplantados de médula ósea recibieron anidulafungina como profilaxis o tratamiento de infecciones fúngicas invasivas (IFI) probadas, probables o posibles. En todos los casos se monitorizó el valor de transaminasas, bilirrubina, creatinina y el recuento de glóbulos blancos al inicio y al final del tratamiento. Resultados: La anidulafungina se administró por vía intravenosa en una dosis de carga de 3 mg/kg/día, seguida de 1,5 mg/kg/día durante una mediana (Md) de 16 días (intervalo intercuartílico: 2-65 d). La Md de la edad de los pacientes fue de 97 meses (rango: 6-211m). La anidulafungina fue indicada como tratamiento en 7 casos (24%) y como profilaxis primaria o secundaria,en 22 (76%). En un paciente se confirmó microbiológicamente una IFI, por Candida albicans. Las Md de los parámetros bioquímicos en el inicio del tratamiento y al final, fueron: transaminasas GOT 29,5 U/l y 32 U/l (p 0,44); bilirrubina 0,35 y 0,30 mg/dL (p: 0,20); creatinina, 0,52 y 0,60 mg/dl (p:0,67). El recuento de glóbulos blancos mostró una gran variabilidad debido a la enfermedad subyacente, pero la diferencia de su valor entre el inicio y al final de la administración del fármaco, no fue significativo: Md 2810 células/mm3 y 5160 células/mm3, respectivamente (p: 0,07). Ninguno de los pacientes tuvo eventos adversos o murieron por causas relacionadas con anidulafungina. En el seguimiento a 30 días no se registró recaída de la infección o mortalidad relacionada a la droga. Conclusiones: Los resultados de nuestra serie sugieren que la anidulafungina podría ser una opción para la profilaxis o el tratamiento de las IFI en los niños con trasplante de médula ósea. Se requieren más estudios para confirmar estas observaciones (AU)

Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are an increasing health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. New treatment options, such as echinocandins and among these anidulafungin, have been used in the adult population, but experience in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation is scarce. Aim: The aim of this descriptive study is to present our experience with the use of anidulafungine as prophylaxis or treatment in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Material and methods: Between January and June 2016, 29 patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation received anidulafungin as prophylaxis against or treatment for confirmed, probable, or possible (IFI). In all cases transaminase, bilirubin, and creatinine levels as well as total white blood cell count were monitored at treatment initiation and completion. Results: Anidulafungine is administered intravenously in a loading dose of 3 mg/kg/day, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/day for a mean of 16 days (interquartile range: 2-65 d). Mean age of the patients was 97 months (range: 6-211m). Anidulafungine was used as treatment in 7 cases (24%) and as primary or secondary prophylaxis in 22 (76%). IFI was microbiologically confirmed to be Candida albicans in one patient. Mean biochemical parameters at treatment onset and completion were: transaminases AST 29.5 U/l and 32 U/l (p 0.44); bilirubin 0.35 and 0.30 mg/dL (p 0.20); creatinine, 0.52 and 0.60 mg/dl (p : 0.67). White blood cell count was highly variable due to the underlying disease; however, the difference between values at treatment initiation and completion were not significant: Mean 2810 cells/mm3 and 5160 cells/mm3, respectively (p: 0.07). None of the patients had adverse effects or died because of anidulafungin-related causes. At 30 days of follow-up no relapse of infection or drug-related mortality was observed. Conclusions: The results in our series suggest that anidulafungin is an option for the prophylaxis against or treatment of IFI in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings (AU)

An open-label study of anidulafungin for the treatment of candidaemia/invasive candidiasis in Latin America.

Incidence and mortality of candidaemia/invasive candidiasis (C/IC) is relatively high in Latin America versus North America and Europe. To assess efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) anidulafungin in Latin American adults with documented C/IC. All patients in this open-label study received initial IV anidulafungin with optional step-down to oral voriconazole after 5 days; total treatment duration was 14-42 days. The primary endpoint was global response (clinical + microbiological response) at end of treatment (EOT); missing/indeterminate responses were failures. The study enrolled 54 patients; 44 had confirmed C/IC within 96 h before study entry and comprised the modified intent-to-treat population. Global response at EOT was 59.1% (95% CI: 44.6, 73.6), with 13 missing/indeterminate assessments. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 43.1%. Fourteen patients (31.8%) were able to step-down to oral voriconazole; these patients had lower baseline acute physiological assessment and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores and were less likely to have solid tumours or previous abdominal surgery. Anidulafungin was generally well tolerated with few treatment-related adverse events. Anidulafungin was associated with relatively low response rates influenced by a high rate of missing/indeterminate assessments and mortality comparable to other recent candidaemia studies in Latin America. In a subset of patients with lower APACHE II scores, short-course anidulafungin followed by oral voriconazole was successful.

Susceptibilidad in vitro a anidulafungina en 100 cepas de especies de Candida aisladas previo a la introducción de esta equinocandina en Chile / In vitro andulafungin susceptibility of 100 of Candida strains obtained previously to the introduction of this echinocandin in Chile

Fungi, particularly yeasts, have become important opportunistic pathogens that can be resistant to antifungal agents or develop resistance. To address this problem, new molecules such as echinocandins, have been developed. Susceptibility to anidulafungin was studied in yeasts isolated previous to the introduction of this drug in Chile. One hundred strains of different yeast species isolated from invasive fungal infections during 2007 and 2008 were studied. Susceptibility testing of anidulafungin was performed by broth microdilution according to CLSI. All strains were susceptible to anidulafungin. MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.125 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively. Compared to other yeasts, C. parapsilosis showed a slight increase in the MICs for anidulafungin (MIC50, 1 µg/mL, MIC90, 2 µg/mL), but remained within the susceptible range. Both, fluconazole resistant (8) and dose dependant susceptible strains (16) were susceptible to anidulafungin. In vitro, this echinocandin appears to be an effective therapeutic alternative.

Los hongos, especialmente las levaduras, se han transformado en importantes patógenos oportunistas y algunos de ellos tienen o desarrollan resistencia a los antifúngicos. Para enfrentar esta problemática se han desarrollado nuevas moléculas, como las equinocandinas. Este trabajo evaluó la susceptibilidad in vitro a anidula-fungina en levaduras obtenidas previo a la incorporación de este antifúngico en Chile. Para ello, se seleccionaron 100 cepas de diversas especies aisladas de enfermedad fúngica invasora durante los años 2007 y 2008 en Chile, a las cuales se les midió la susceptibilidad in vitro por micro-dilución en caldo para anidulafungina según CLSI. Todas las cepas fueron sensibles a anidulafungina con CIM50 y CIM90 de 0,125 µg/mL y 1 µg/mL, respectivamente. Se detectó un ligero aumento de las CIM en C. parapsilosis respecto a las otras levaduras (CIM50 de 1 µg/mL y CIM90 de 2 µg/mL) considerándose estos valores en el rango de sensibilidad. La correlación de la susceptibilidad frente a fluconazol evidenció que cepas resistentes (n: 8) y sensibles dosis dependientes (n: 16) fueron sensibles a anidulafungina. Esta equinocandina aparece, in vitro, como una alternativa terapeutica efectiva frente a las levaduras aisladas en nuestros pacientes.

Novel, broad-specrum antimycotic agents: the role of echinocandins today

The echinocandins show comparable efficacy in the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis. Caspofungin and micafungin appear to be similarly efficacious in salvage therapy in aspergillosis; anidulafungin has excellent in vitro activity against Aspergillus species but as yet there are no sufficient clinical data for anidulafungin in this disease state. Each drug has minor advantages and disadvantages compared to the others of the same classe; however, there are large differences in the approved indications for the different drugs. The formulary selection process should consider the direct and indirect costs of the single agents; the characteristics of the patient population at risk for invasive mycosis, such as frequent use of interacting drugs and the burden of monitoring plasma drug levels of drugs; and the implications of using products for indications which have not been still approved (off-label indications)