Table 1 Factors to consider in evaluating the cost–effectiveness of aducanumab [39,40,41]

Drug cost

The cost of aducanumab treatment per patient. This should consider the price of the drug, dosing frequency, and duration of therapy

Administration costs

Costs associated with the administration of the drug, including healthcare professional fees and facility fees

Monitoring costs

Costs related to routine monitoring, including MRI and PET scans, during aducanumab treatment, as well as any supplementary tests or medical consultations needed

Cost of adverse events

Costs associated with managing ARIA-E and ARIA-H or other side effects of aducanumab, including the potential need for hospitalization, additional medications, or other interventions

Cost of genetic testing

Costs related to genetic testing for the APOE ε4 allele, which may be necessary to adjust dosing for carriers and predict the risk of developing ARIA

Healthcare resource utilization

The impact of aducanumab on healthcare resource utilization, including potential reductions in the need for long-term care or other supportive services for patients with AD. This should take into account any potential improvements in patients’ cognitive function, functional abilities, and quality of life that may result from aducanumab treatment

Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)

The number of QALYs gained as a result of aducanumab treatment. QALYs are a measure of the effectiveness of a treatment, combining both the quantity and quality of life

Incremental cost–effectiveness ratio (ICER)

A measure that compares the difference in costs and effectiveness (measured in QALYs) between aducanumab treatment and an alternative treatment or standard of care. Lower ICERs indicate a more cost-effective treatment