The Impact of Cangrelor in the UK for the Treatment of STEMI Patients with Gastric Absorption Issues Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Patients that undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) require effective antiplatelet therapies to minimize the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Oral P2Y12 inhibitors are often utilized, however co-administered opioids may lead to gastric absorption issues in these patients, affecting the efficacy of oral inhibitors. Cangrelor is an intravenous, direct-acting, reversible P2Y12 inhibitor that could be explored as a potential treatment option for patients with gastric absorption issues during ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The objective was to estimate the UK budget impact of introducing cangrelor for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with gastric absorption issues undergoing PCI. <b>Methods</b>: A budget impact model was developed to calculate the impact of introducing cangrelor to treat STEMI patients with gastric absorption issues undergoing PCI, to the UK National Health Service and personal social services, over 5 years. Oral P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor), glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (eptifibatide and tirofiban), and aspirin and heparin alone were included as base case comparators. Cangrelor uptake ranged from 10% to 30% in years 1-5. The cangrelor-eligible population was estimated at 10,903 patients per year. <b>Results</b>: Over 5 years, cangrelor leads to a small cost saving (0.29%), varying from -GBP 261,989 in year 1 to GBP 174,778 in year 5. The introduction of cangrelor is estimated to lead to 314 fewer hospital days and 190 clinical events avoided over 5 years. <b>Conclusions</b>: Introducing cangrelor to STEMI patients with gastric absorption issues undergoing PCI in the UK is estimated to generate a small cost saving and reduced length of stay for some patients.