JAMA Cardiol

Polypill proves cost-effective for CVD prevention in underserved populations

January 13, 2025

Study details: This cost-effectiveness analysis used data from a randomized controlled trial to assess the economic impact of a polypill containing atorvastatin 10 mg, amlodipine 2.5 mg, losartan 25 mg, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for cardiovascular disease prevention in an underserved population. The study was conducted in two simulated U.S. cohorts — one based on the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) and the other on all trial-eligible U.S. adults – and compared the costs and health outcomes of the polypill intervention with standard care over a specified time horizon.

Results: The polypill intervention was cost-effective and reduced cardiovascular events compared with standard care. In the simulated SCCS cohort, the intervention would yield an average 1,190 additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with usual care (95% CI, 287-2,159), at an estimated $8,560 per QALY gained compared with usual care. In the second simulated analysis among 3.6 million trial-eligible non-Hispanic Black U.S. adults, the polypill strategy remained high value, with an estimated cost of $13,400 per QALY gained.

Clinical impact: The findings support the use of a polypill as a cost-effective strategy for heart disease prevention in underserved populations.

Source:

Kohli-Lynch CN, et al. (2024, January 8). JAMA Cardiol. Cost-Effectiveness of a Polypill for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in an Underserved Population. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39775718/