Cost-effectiveness of a nitric oxide-generating medical device in managing hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential cost-effectiveness of using a nitric oxide-generating medical device (EDX110, ConvaNiox, Convatec Ltd., UK) in the management of hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes, from the perspective of the UK's health services.

METHOD: Markov modelling simulated the management of infected and non-infected hard-to-heal (chronic) DFUs with EDX110 or standard care in the community and secondary care over a 24-week period. The model was constructed using data from a previous randomised controlled trial and was used to estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of EDX110 in terms of the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained at 2021/22 prices.

RESULTS

There was a 63% improvement in healing by 24 weeks in the EDX110 group compared with standard care (49% versus 30%, respectively). This led to a 6% improvement in health-related quality of life and a 20% reduction in the total cost of DFU management. At a purchase price of £40 per EDX110 dressing, it was found to afford a cost-effective treatment in >80% of a cohort. However, the location where the dressing is administered (i.e., the community or secondary care) can potentially influence EDX110's cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the study, EDX110 could potentially afford the UK's health services a cost-effective treatment for DFUs; however, this is dependent on the location of the healthcare professionals administering the dressing.