Sahmyook University professor researches cost-effectiveness of fatty liver disease treatments

In a significant development for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, researchers at Sahmyook University's College of Pharmacy have established critical benchmarks for the cost-effectiveness of emerging therapies. This groundbreaking study, led by Professor Kim Hye-rin, addresses a pressing concern: whether the high cost of new, long-term treatments for this widespread condition is justified by their clinical benefits.

The research, a collaborative effort with Professor Jeon Dae-won's team at Hanyang University Hospital, was published in the esteemed journal 'Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.' It tackles the challenge of evaluating the value of new drugs entering the market, particularly 'Resmetirom,' the first FDA-approved treatment for MASLD, and other drugs in development. With MASLD affecting approximately 30% of adults globally, the need for effective and economically viable treatments is paramount.

Professor Kim's team employed a novel approach, moving beyond post-hoc economic evaluations to a simulation model that predicted disease progression over 20 years. This allowed them to quantitatively determine the 'treatment response threshold' – the minimum level of efficacy a new drug must achieve to be considered a cost-effective option. Their analysis indicates that a new drug must demonstrate at least a 15% greater improvement in liver fibrosis compared to existing treatments, with a sustained difference of at least 3% over time, to justify its cost.

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The study quantitatively confirmed the minimum efficacy required for new MASLD drugs to be recognized for their economic value in clinical settings.

Furthermore, the study highlights that the cost-benefit ratio is significantly higher when treating patients with more advanced liver damage (F3 fibrosis or higher). The research also considered the impact of cardiovascular disease prevention, a critical complication of fatty liver disease, enhancing the model's real-world applicability. Importantly, the study included scenario analyses reflecting the South Korean healthcare system, suggesting a broader range of effective treatment options within the domestic context.

These findings are expected to serve as a vital guide for clinicians selecting the most appropriate treatments for their patients. They will also provide essential evidence for policymakers in setting fair drug prices and for pharmaceutical companies in setting efficacy targets for their research and development efforts. Professor Kim expressed her commitment to continuing this line of research, aiming to produce scientific evidence that supports practical healthcare decisions and policy.

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We will continue to focus on producing scientific evidence needed in actual medical fields and health and medical policy through collaboration with fellow researchers and clinical specialists.