Cost impact of time to initiation of triple therapy in COPD patients in Japan: A retrospective analysis of healthcare claims data

Background: Triple therapy (TT) of inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators (LAMA/LABA/ICS) can improve symptom control for exacerbating COPD patients, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The impact of delays in TT initiation on subsequent healthcare costs in Japan is poorly understood. Objectives: To assess if earlier TT initiation in exacerbating patients may lead to reductions in subsequent healthcare costs. Methods: Retrospective, observational study of Japanese claims data (Medical Data Vision). COPD patients were indexed at exacerbation date (Jan 10 – Mar 14) with TT initiated within 180 days of the event, with 2-year follow-up (FU). Descriptive analysis of healthcare costs outcomes during FU by time to TT initiation. Results: 238,738 COPD patients were present in the dataset, of which 19,928 were indexed. Overall, only 137 patients initiated TT and met all inclusion criteria. Mean (SD) time to TT initiation was 32.5 (45.4) days. COPD-related costs are shown below. Conclusions: TT prescriptions are rare in Japan compared to other countries; thus sample sizes are restricted in observational studies. This sample size is too small for inferences. Further research is required with a larger sample and adjusting for confounders, to confirm the hypothesis that increased time to TT initiation is associated with increased healthcare costs. FUNDING: GSK (HO-15-16217)