A cost-utility analysis of Amisulpride and Paliperidone in the treatment of Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a severe, long-term neurodevelopmental disorder that results in increased morbidity and mortality. Amisulpride and Paliperidone are two antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia in the UK. This evaluation compares the cost-utility of each drug; no similar research has been conducted in the UK. METHODS: A cost utility analysis was performed looking at the benefits in terms of Quality Adjusted Life Years within one year of the treatment, and the costs in pound sterling, discounted to the 2016/2017 value. This evaluation was from the perspective of the National Health Service, the biggest provider of health within the United Kingdom. OUTCOMES: The cost utility analysis found an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of £10,941 per added Quality Adjusted Life Year for using Paliperidone, instead of the more widely used Amisulpride. INTERPRETATION: This is below the NICE threshold of £20–30,000 per QALY. Hence, it is within reason to suggest shifting diagnostic practices to Paliperidone.