Economic modeling of the combined effects of HIV disease, heart disease and lipoatrophy based on ACTG 5142 trial data

Purpose of the study Antiretroviral (ARV) regimens may be statistically noninferior in clinical trials, but have very different economic outcomes due to differences in costs and adverse event profiles. Given the heavy cost burden of HIV disease, it is important to consider economic issues when selecting an ARV regimen. This study examines the cost and consequences of initiating an ARV regimen including LPV/r or EFV, using data from a recent clinical trial in a previously published model of HIV-disease.