OBJECTIVES: Lanreotide autogel (LAN) and octreotide long-acting release (OCT) are long-acting somatostatin analogues (LA-SSAs) used to treat acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours (NET). Only LAN can be independently administered, obviating the need for in-person provider visits. Independent injection is already a convenient option for some patients, but the occurrence of the pandemic may have accelerated its uptake. The objective of this study was to assess the specific budget impact of increasing the uptake of independent administration for the treatment of acromegaly and NET in the UK.

METHODS: A budget impact model was developed from the UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective and model inputs (including drug acquisition and administration costs) were based on publicly available sources. The model framework considered the financial implications of first increasing the market share of LAN and then increasing the proportion of patients who independently administer LAN.

The current situation (50% market share for LAN) was compared with a hypothetical situation (70% market share for LAN).

To assess the budget impact of self-administration, a scenario with 25% of independent administration for patients treated with LAN was analysed and compared with the current situation (about 12.5%).

RESULTS: Increasing the use of LAN to 70% could reduce the annual overall expenses for LA-SSA by £2.4 million. Increasing independent administration of LAN from 12.5% to 25% would result in additional savings of £690,140, representing a reduction of 3.8% from the current budget estimate of £81.4 million.

CONCLUSIONS: An increased market share of LAN relative to OCT could lead to substantial savings in the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the potential cost savings associated with the increased patient autonomy offered by independent injection, during which time it may help to ease pressure on healthcare resources. Any pandemic-enforced increase may, if adopted long-term, translate into substantial ongoing savings.