Sanofi-Aventis reveals cost effectiveness of Clexane

Sanofi-Aventis has released the details of a new study demonstrating that the use of enoxaparin (sold in the UK as Clexane), an anticoagulant, is more cost effective than using unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients at risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) events.

Venous thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein that is at risk of breaking off and moving to the lungs, where it could cause a pulmonary embolism – which can impair circulation around the cardiovascular system and lead to serious health problems. Deep vein thrombosis is one type of venous thrombosis. It can be treated with low molecular weight heparin, such as enoxaparin or UFH (‘natural’ heparin), designed to break up blood clots.

The cost effectiveness study revealed that despite the initial cost of enoxaparin, the average saving over the course of treatment by using enoxaparin over UFH was found to be $1,002 (542.86 pounds) per patient. Many of the savings were made in intensive care unit, laboratory and medical surgery supply costs.

Dr Richard M Weinberg, lead study author, remarked: “The data support that, because of its cost-effectiveness, enoxaparin may be the preferred treatment strategy for prophylaxis in those at risk for deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.”

Dr Geno J Merli, Ludwig Kind professor of medicine and director of the Jefferson Centre for Vascular Diseases, Jefferson Medical College, added: “The significant cost savings demonstrated by the data, combined with the overall beneficial safety and efficacy profile of enoxaparin, have important implications for hospital administrators.

“Hospital decision-makers should look to these results when considering cost-effective VTE prevention protocols.”

Sanofi-Aventis markets a range of blood products, including another anticoagulant, Plavix, and blood pressure reduction drugs like Aprovel/Avapro and Delix/Tritace/Triatec.

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