OBJECTIVES: Although atypical antipsychotics (AA) are the first-line treatments for patients with schizophrenia, for those aged 13-14 years, lurasidone is the only AA licensed. Besides, some AA are related with cardiometabolic events (CME) and lack adherence, generating significant clinical and economic consequences. The aim of this study is to estimate the budget impact (BI) of lurasidone in the management of adult and adolescent (13-17 years) patients with schizophrenia in Spain from a payer's perspective over a 3-years’ time horizon.

METHODS: A BI model was developed to quantify the economic impact associated with different levels of penetration of lurasidone compared to the current Spanish market. Spanish patients with schizophrenia treated with AA were included (142,279, 142,373 and 142,483 patients for years 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Market data considered all AA drugs authorized in the management of these patients. Market share distribution of lurasidone of the current scenario (0.0% and 0.8% for adolescents aged 13-17 years and adults, respectively) remained constant through the time horizon, while for the potential scenario an annually increased penetration of lurasidone was analyzed (patients aged 13-14 years:10%, 20%, 30%; 14-17 years:7%, 10%, 15%; adults:1.5%, 2.5%, 3.8%; respectively). Costs based on the Spain-payer perspective included treatment-related costs, hospitalizations’ costs caused by non-adherence and CME management costs (€2021).

RESULTS: Total savings over the time horizon for the entire population (2022-2024) associated with an increased used of lurasidone account for € -197,610. Costs with the greatest influence on the savings are those associated with CME (€ -328,111) followed by hospitalizations due to non-adherence (€ -184,041).

CONCLUSIONS: As lurasidone is the only AA authorized in patients aged 13-14 years, its availability on the Spanish market allows the treatment of 1,424 extra patients (aged 13-14 years), still generating €-197,610 savings, which consequently would allow the treatment of 103 additional patients.