The economic impact of HA-1A (Centoxin) against endotoxin.

Monoclonal antibodies have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in selected subsets of patients with Gram-negative sepsis and/or septic shock. However, the acquisition costs of the antibody products are expected to be in the range of $US3500 to $US4000 per course of therapy and precise identification of patients who will benefit may be difficult. Therefore, the economic impact of these antibodies will be significant. We have performed a model cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis specific to our institution based on previously reported mortality figures. Our data suggest that the cost-effectiveness of HA-1A (Centoxin) will be comparable with that of a variety of commonly used medical interventions, but will produce an incremental increase in costs of at least $US7000 per patient because of the acquisition cost of the drug, as well as an increase in numbers of survivors whose hospitalisation will be prolonged.