The cost-effectiveness of infliximab in Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It leads to severe symptoms and reduced quality of life. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody against TNF-α and is effective in treating moderate to severe CD. It is associated with high treatment costs, but subsequent reductions in hospitalisation and surgery have been reported. This review examines the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of infliximab for the treatment of CD. Studies have been found to be very heterogeneous depending on setting, costs assumed and clinical data. Within the UK setting infliximab has been found to be cost effective with increased costs of around £25,000 per quality adjusted life year gained.