The Utilization, Expenditure, and Price of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in the US Medicaid Programs: Trends Over a 31 Year Period.

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are used for several indications including hypertension. Our aim is to evaluate the utilization, expenditure, and drug price of ACEIs and ARBs in the US Medicaid population.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive trend analysis was conducted using Medicaid State Drug Utilization outpatient pharmacy summary files managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 1991 to 2021. Study drugs included ACEIs (e.g., captopril) and ARBs (e.g., losartan). Annual reimbursement and utilization were calculated for both classes. The average reimbursement per prescription was calculated as a proxy for drug prices. Market share competition between ACEIs and ARBs was analyzed over time.

RESULTS

ACEI and ARB utilization rose by 25% from 1991 to 2021. Brand ACEIs utilization peaked in 2002 with 28 million prescriptions while brand ARBs utilization continued to increase until 2005 with over 23 million prescriptions. However, generic products took the lead and exceeded brand ACEI and ARB utilization in 2006 and 2012 respectively. Medicaid spent over $ 33.7 billion on ACEIs and ARBs over 31-year. Brand ACEIs and ARBs average prices increased sharply to $8,104 and $6,908 respectively in 2021. The total prescription market share for ACEIs was 68% compared to 32% of ARBs over the entire study.

CONCLUSION

ACEIs and ARBs utilization increased over the last 31 years. Brand utilization switched over to generic resulting in less reimbursement. The average prices of brand ACEIs and ARBs continue to increase even after generics were introduced to the market.