Original Title: Avis: Zemaira – Déficit congénital en alpha1-antitrypsine

Authors' objectives: At the request of the manufacturer, CSL Behring Canada Inc., the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) conducted an evaluation of the blood system product Zemaira, a highly purified human alpha1-proteinase inhibitor administered intravenously. In Canada, Zemaira is indicated for the maintenance treatment in adults with severe alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency (e.g. genotypes PiZZ, PiZ(null), Pi(null, null), PiS Z) and clinical evidence of emphysema. The indication requested for this evaluation is as follows: for the maintenance treatment of adults with severe alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency (e.g., PiZZ, PiZ[null], Pi[null, null], PiSZ or other deficiency-causing alleles) and presenting clinical signs of emphysema. INESSS conducted simultaneous assessments of Prolastin-C Liquid, Zemaira and Glassia, all human plasma alpha1-antitrypsin products. Recommendations for these 3 products were published at the same time.

Authors' results and conclusions: RESULTS: (#1 POPULATION DIMENSION): Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency, or alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (DAAT), is a rare genetic condition with a variable presentation that can lead to severe pulmonary (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis) and hepatic symptoms, often with a slow progression. Due to the heterogeneous and often delayed clinical manifestations, and the discovery of new pathogenic variants associated with the disease, DAAT is an under-diagnosed condition. Usual treatments are aimed at alleviating respiratory symptoms and include inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation and, for some patients, augmentation therapy consisting of weekly intravenous administration of plasma-derived alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT). Augmentation therapy aims to slow the progression of emphysema in individuals with DAAT. Currently, only ProlastinTM-C is available in Quebec, and public reimbursement is possible only through the “mesure du patient d’exception.” (#2. CLINICAL DIMENSION - EFFICACY): CT lung density quantification is a surrogate parameter deemed adequate by the experts consulted for evaluating emphysema progression, even if correlations with clinical manifestations of emphysema are weak. (#2.1 CLINICAL DIMENSION -SAFETY): The safety profile of ZemairaTM observed in the RAPID-RCT study is comparable to that of placebo. Moreover, no significant new safety findings were observed in the RAPIDOLE extension (#3 ORGANIZATIONAL DIMENSION): Prolastin-C is currently reimbursed by the RAMQ through the “mesure du patient d’exception” and private insurance plans. From now on, plasma AATs will have to be registered on the Liste des produits du système du sang du Québec and obtain a call for tenders from Héma-Québec before they can be distributed. With this change in management, it would be prudent to avoid treatment interruptions and minimize the consequences that could arise. At the moment, home administration of ProlastinTM-C is not common practice in Quebec. It is generally administered in CLSCs or specialized clinics. (#4 ECONOMIC DIMENSION - EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS): When compared to the use of best supportive care alone, ZemairaTM, in addition to best supportive care, is not cost-effective. The incremental cost-utility ratio has been estimated at between $335,000 and $345,000 per QALY. A price reduction of 90% or 75% must be adopted to reach efficiency thresholds of $50,000 and $100,000 per QALY, respectively. (#5 SOCIO-CULTURAL DIMENSION): In 2022, Quebec adopted a policy aimed at optimizing access to quality healthcare and services that are adapted to the specific needs of culturally sensitive patients and those with rare diseases. Some experts note that Quebec is at the forefront in the management of several rare diseases, including DAAT, compared to other Canadian provinces.

Authors' recommendations: RESULTS: (#1 POPULATION DIMENSION): Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency, or alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (DAAT), is a rare genetic condition with a variable presentation that can lead to severe pulmonary (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis) and hepatic symptoms, often with a slow progression. Due to the heterogeneous and often delayed clinical manifestations, and the discovery of new pathogenic variants associated with the disease, DAAT is an under-diagnosed condition. Usual treatments are aimed at alleviating respiratory symptoms and include inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation and, for some patients, augmentation therapy consisting of weekly intravenous administration of plasma-derived alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT). Augmentation therapy aims to slow the progression of emphysema in individuals with DAAT. Currently, only ProlastinTM-C is available in Quebec, and public reimbursement is possible only through the “mesure du patient d’exception.” (#2. CLINICAL DIMENSION - EFFICACY): CT lung density quantification is a surrogate parameter deemed adequate by the experts consulted for evaluating emphysema progression, even if correlations with clinical manifestations of emphysema are weak. (#2.1 CLINICAL DIMENSION -SAFETY): The safety profile of ZemairaTM observed in the RAPID-RCT study is comparable to that of placebo. Moreover, no significant new safety findings were observed in the RAPIDOLE extension (#3 ORGANIZATIONAL DIMENSION): Prolastin-C is currently reimbursed by the RAMQ through the “mesure du patient d’exception” and private insurance plans. From now on, plasma AATs will have to be registered on the Liste des produits du système du sang du Québec and obtain a call for tenders from Héma-Québec before they can be distributed. With this change in management, it would be prudent to avoid treatment interruptions and minimize the consequences that could arise. At the moment, home administration of ProlastinTM-C is not common practice in Quebec. It is generally administered in CLSCs or specialized clinics. (#4 ECONOMIC DIMENSION - EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS): When compared to the use of best supportive care alone, ZemairaTM, in addition to best supportive care, is not cost-effective. The incremental cost-utility ratio has been estimated at between $335,000 and $345,000 per QALY. A price reduction of 90% or 75% must be adopted to reach efficiency thresholds of $50,000 and $100,000 per QALY, respectively. (#5 SOCIO-CULTURAL DIMENSION): In 2022, Quebec adopted a policy aimed at optimizing access to quality healthcare and services that are adapted to the specific needs of culturally sensitive patients and those with rare diseases. Some experts note that Quebec is at the forefront in the management of several rare diseases, including DAAT, compared to other Canadian provinces.

Authors' methods: A data review of the literature and those provided by the manufacturer was carried out to document the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of ZemairaTM. Contextual and experiential data from expert consultation are also presented. Efficiency and budget impact analyses were developed by INESSS.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/publications/repertoire-des-publications/publication/zemairamc-deficit-congenital-en-alpha1-antitrypsine.html

Year Published: 2023

URL for published report: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/publications/repertoire-des-publications/publication/zemairamc-deficit-congenital-en-alpha1-antitrypsine.html

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Full HTA

Country: Canada

Province: Quebec

Organisation Name: Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux

Contact Address: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369

Contact Name: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Contact Email: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Copyright: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)