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Introduction of MP-AzeFlu nasal spray for individuals with allergic rhinitis in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates: a budget impact analysis

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the projected budget impact of introducing MP-AzeFlu, a fixed-dose nasal of a corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate) and an antihistamine (azelastine hydrochloride). The evaluation focused on the potential cost savings for patients and healthcare systems in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: A budget impact model was developed in Excel over a period of five years, as per the ISPOR guidelines. The analysis focused exclusively on direct medication costs sourced from the Saudi FDA and UAE Department of Health, excluding costs related to healthcare resource utilization or productivity. Drug prices were obtained from each Ministry of Health price list and inflated to 2024 values (no discounting). It was assumed that the population size would remain constant over five years. RESULTS: In Saudi Arabia, substituting dual therapy with MP-AzeFlu yielded marginal cost savings of SAR 3.9 million by year five (1.4% of the baseline expenditure of SAR 273.9 million). In the UAE, a similar switch resulted in cost savings of AED 0.55 million (1.4% of the baseline expenditure of AED 38.4 million). A scenario analysis comparing MP-AzeFlu to triple therapy showed even greater cost savings: SAR 10.5 million in the KSA (2.6% of the baseline expenditure of SAR 405.4 million) and AED 1.5 million in the UAE (2.7% of the baseline expenditure of AED 59.07 million). CONCLUSION: The introduction of MP-AzeFlu in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates showed cost-neutral to cost-saving impacts, depending on whether it replaces dual or triple therapy regimens.
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2025.2583563
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4416359110
FWCI:
Cites: 34
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