Cost-Effectiveness of Antiviral Drugs to Prevent or Treat Influenza A, Influenza B, or Zoonotic Influenza
Canadian Journal of Health Technologies·
- DOI
- 10.51731/cjht.2025.1153
- PMID
- —
- PMCID
- —
- OpenAlex
- W4411712991
- Study type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, CADTH
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Assessing the economic performance of antiviral regimens aids decision-makers in optimizing budget distribution for seasonal outbreaks and emergency preparedness. Recognizing financially sustainable treatment pathways supports long-term healthcare system resilience against emerging viral threats.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
What is the financial viability of antiviral medications for managing influenza A, influenza B, and zoonotic variants, alongside pharmaceutical reserve strategies?
Study design
A rapid narrative review synthesizing published pharmacoeconomic analyses.
Population and setting
The analysis centers on broad influenza management with specific emphasis on vulnerable patient cohorts, while noting contextual differences in Canadian healthcare financing.
Main findings
Nine economic evaluations met the inclusion criteria, predominantly focusing on therapeutic applications rather than preventive measures. Current models indicate that oseltamivir and baloxavir marboxil offer favorable value for money during active infection, particularly among susceptible groups. Data regarding post-exposure prophylaxis remain scarce, and no publications addressed zoonotic influenza or pharmaceutical reserve strategies.
Public-health relevance
Assessing the economic performance of antiviral regimens aids decision-makers in optimizing budget distribution for seasonal outbreaks and emergency preparedness. Recognizing financially sustainable treatment pathways supports long-term healthcare system resilience against emerging viral threats.
Important limitations
Study selection and data extraction relied on a single investigator, introducing potential screening bias. Published financial models exhibit substantial heterogeneity across viral subtypes, regional medical infrastructure, and pricing frameworks, limiting direct translation to Canadian settings. Critical evidence gaps persist regarding prophylactic stockpiling and zoonotic strain interventions.
GIDS interpretation
This review maps the current pharmacoeconomic landscape for influenza antivirals, distinguishing well-documented treatment valuations from underexplored prophylactic and zoonotic domains. The findings provide a structural reference for tracking literature evolution and informing future resource planning without implying immediate operational deployment.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 8 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.