Economic Burden of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) estimated on the scale of up to billions in USA, Germany and Bulgaria
DUBLIN, October 31st, 2024:
Retina International, a global umbrella group of 43 patient-led charities and foundations, is pleased to announce the publication of the “Economic Burden of Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration (neovascular AMD and Geographic Atrophy) in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US” in JAMA Ophthalmology, a scientific journal published by the American Medical Association.
AMD is a highly prevalent and debilitating retinal condition that affects more than 200 million people globally. It is a progressive disease of the central retina leading to blurring, distortion and loss of central vision. Advanced or late-stage AMD is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment in the world and can be classified into two categories: neovascular/wet AMD (nAMD) and advanced dry AMD, often referred to as Geographic Atrophy (GA). Currently, 12.4 million people live with the late-stage disease that is expected to increase to 18 million by the year 2040.
The published study estimated the total economic burden of late-stage AMD in Bulgaria, Germany and the US by incorporating direct medical costs, indirect medical costs, costs associated with loss of productivity, and costs associated with reduced well-being. The per annum economic burden was substantial (€449.5million/$512.5million in Bulgaria, €7.6billion/$8.6billion in Germany and €43.2billion/$49.4billion in the US). Reduced well-being and loss of productivity accounted for most of the cost burden across all countries.
In Germany and Bulgaria, the biggest contributor to the total economic burden was reduced wellbeing (67% and 76% respectively) whereas in the US, the biggest contributor (42%) was loss of productivity. Direct medical costs contributed to a relatively small portion of the total cost across all countries (10%-13%).
The findings of this study demonstrated a significant financial toll associated with late-stage AMD both the wet (nAMD) and dry (GA) forms, with reduced wellbeing and loss of productivity accounting for most of the cost burden across the three countries. Understanding the impact of the disease and implementing measures to reduce the incidence, delay disease progression and alleviate the humanistic burden may help to reduce the economic burden of late-stage AMD in the future.
“This study took a comprehensive approach to assess the true impact of Geographic Atrophy and neovascular AMD. We considered not only the medical costs, but also costs associated with the impact of disease on the well-being of patients, and the productivity of patients and their caregivers. Importantly, we found that the costs associated with well-being and productivity accounted for the majority of the economic burden across all countries studied. This highlights a critical need to prioritize mental health and social support throughout the sight care journey for people living with AMD.” said Dr. Nabin Paudel, study lead and the Head of Research and Programs at Retina International.
Avril Daly, CEO of Retina International added “AMD is a highly prevalent and disabling condition affecting more than 200 million people globally. With an aging population the global figure is expected to increase significantly (288 million by 2040). Despite AMD being the leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment globally, Retina International, its global membership and partners remain concerned that the understanding of the different stages of disease and its impact on wellbeing, productivity and societal as well as personal level is underappreciated by decision makers in the health and social care sectors. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the value of prioritising prevention of disease and preservation of vision through urgent action on early detection, diagnosis, care and treatment of AMD.”
Franz Badura, Chair of Retina International concluded “Retina International and its global membership has been aware of the immense impact of the condition on those affected, their caregivers and society at large. We are grateful to our members, Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, PRO RETINA Deutschland e.V., and Retina Bulgaria and their scientific advisors for supporting this unique study as well as our consortium of partners, Apellis International, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Novartis Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, and Alexion Pharmaceuticals who made this study possible. We also thank Ernst and Young Ireland for their contribution in the economic modelling element of the study. We hope that this study provides a detailed understanding of the real impact of late-stage AMD and helps relevant stakeholders and decision makers prioritize areas of support for patients and their families, while highlighting the urgent need to discover therapies that prevent AMD progression to late stages.”
ENDS:
The full publication can be downloaded from the JAMA website here.
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For media enquires please contact
andrew.ryan@retina-international.org
About Retina International
Retina International is a global umbrella organization for patient-led charities and foundations who support research into rare, genetically inherited and age-related retinal conditions. RI believes that education leading to participation is a key driver in successful innovation.
As a highly networked community, our objective is to promote retina research through the engagement and education of our growing patient community and by developing robust evidence-based advocacy tools to bring about positive change. We believe in structured collaboration inclusive of all stakeholders in order to address the unmet needs of patients affected by retinal disease, by employing a professional approach to all that we do.