Assessing the Economic Value of Statins: A Comparison of Branded and Generic Options in India

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for over half (52%) of all premature deaths worldwide, accounting for more than 17.5 million deaths annually1. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with hypercholesterolemia being the most common form. The primary characteristic of dyslipidemia is elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovasculardisease(ASCVD)2.Consequently, one of the most widely adopted strategies in clinical practice for treating and preventing ASCVD is lowering LDL cholesterol levels3. Statins are currently the first-line treatment for reducing LDL cholesterol in most clinical situations4. Research indicates that in high-risk populations, statins can lower the likelihood of heart attacks by around 25-30%.5  This reduction in cardiovascular events leads to improved health outcomes, including a better quality of life and fewer hospital admissions, thereby reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems