OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate annual drug cost, progression-free survival (PFS), and total drug cost to achieve maximum PFS for targeted therapies approved for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany (DE).

METHODS: Drug prices of monotherapies approved for new indications in mNSCLC between 2018 and 2023 were extracted from the BNF (British National Formulary) and appraisals by G-BA (Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss). Annual drug costs were calculated based on inflation-adjusted drug prices and recommended dosages. Highest median PFS (mPFS) was obtained from pivotal trials for each drug. The main endpoint of interest was total drug costs of achieving maximum mPFS of for mNSCLC.

RESULTS: Fourteen monotherapies were approved in mNSCLC between 2018 and 2023 in the UK and Germany, of which one therapy has not yet been launched and two therapies are unavailable in the UK. Annual drug cost was lower in the UK for 8 out of the 11 therapies (23.6% lower) available in both countries, averaging UK = €86.215 and DE = €103.400. Annual costs ranged from selpercatinib UK = €131.406/year and DE = €159.923/year to dacomitinib UK = €37.948/year and capmatinib = €57.063/year. Selpercatinib [24.9 (19.3, NE)] and brigatinib [24.0 (18.5, 43.2)] had the highest mPFS and lorlatinib [6.9 (5.4, 8.2)] and sotorasib [6.8 (5.1, 8.2)] had the lowest mPFS. Total drug cost of achieving maximum mPFS ranged from UK = €272.668 and DE = €331.841 for selpercatinib to brigatinib UK = €139.570 and DE = €139.570.

CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that variations exist in total drug costs required to achieving maximum PFS, annual drug prices, and PFS for targeted therapies treating mNSCLC across the UK and Germany.