Cost-Effectiveness of Venom Immunotherapy in Preventing Severe Bee and Wasp Sting Reactions

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Gunter Sturm - , Medical University of Graz (First author)
  • Maria Beatrice Bilo - , Marche Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Carmen Vidal - , Ministry of Health and the Galician Health Service (Author)
  • Joanna N. G. Oude Elberink - , University of Groningen (Author)
  • Jochen Schmitt - , Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare (Author)
  • Andreas Kallsoy Slaettanes - , ALK-Abello AS (Author)
  • Thilo Jakob - , Justus Liebig University Giessen (Last author)

Abstract

Background: Systemic sting reactions (SSRs) from bee and wasp stings can cause severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis and potentially lead to fatal outcomes. These reactions can significantly affect individuals' daily lives due to the fear and anxiety associated with the risk of stings. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) has been shown to be an effective preventive treatment for SSRs, offering a viable alternative to emergency treatments like adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Methods: We created a decision tree framework with a Danish payer perspective designed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of VIT with Alutard ® SQ in individuals with bee and/or wasp venom allergies. Input in the model was identified from a structured literature review and expert consensus. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of Hymenoptera venom depot immunotherapy (HVDI) compared to AAIs over a 10-year time horizon was estimated. The impact of uncertainty associated with key assumptions was investigated using univariate deterministic sensitivity analyses (DSA). Results: In the base case, the incremental cost of HVDI was €7428, while the incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained were 0.48. Consequently, the ICER (cost per QALY) of HVDI compared to AAIs after 10 years was estimated at €15,550. Conclusion: VIT is a cost-effective treatment for the prevention of severe reactions to wasp and/or bee stings when compared to AAIs.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1228-1238
Number of pages11
JournalAllergy
Volume81
Issue number4
Early online date18 Dec 2025
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41410197
Scopus 105025241603

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Immunotherapy vaccines and mechanisms, Quality of life, Venom and insect allergy, immunotherapy vaccines and mechanisms, venom and insect allergy, quality of life