Real-world impact of intrathecal baclofen therapy: the benefits of neteka on patient outcomes, caregiver burden, and cost efficiency

Background: Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) is a well-established treatment modality for severe spasticity, but it is burdened by the need for periodic pump refills. The introduction of a new formulation of baclofen with an extended stability of 180 days (Neteka, Nordic Group BV) could decrease the frequency of refills. We aimed at analyzing the clinical and economic impact of Neteka introduction in our outpatient facility.

Methods: Forty-eight patients with an implanted device for intrathecal baclofen infusion, who shifted from standard baclofen to Neteka, were included in the present study. We collected clinical and refilling data both from pre-Neteka and Neteka timeframes.

Results: In patients treated with baclofen 2 mg/ml (45/48, 93.8%), the introduction of Neteka led to a significant decrease of median number of refills per year (2.7 vs. 4 in pre-Neteka timeframe, p < 0.0001). This resulted in an improved quality of life, as shown by the reduction of Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale score both for time and difficulty of caregiving (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Furthermore, a median saving of 302.40 euro per year per patient, as compared to pre-Neteka timeframe, was registered. Similar results were obtained in the smaller cohort treated with baclofen 0.5 mg/ml (3/48, 6.3%). Neteka appreciation rate was high. As expected, no changes in clinical effectiveness of ITB therapy were observed by comparing pre-Neteka and Neteka timeframes.

Conclusions: The extended half-life provided by Neteka, by reducing the number of refills, could improve patient quality of life, enhance caregiver satisfaction, and decrease the financial burden on healthcare system.