Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation of Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations in Chronic Disease Management

Abstract

The integration of nanotechnology into pharmaceutical development has revolutionized drug delivery, yet comprehensive economic analyses linking nanopharmaceutical innovation with healthcare resource optimization remain limited. This study bridges pharmaceutical nanotechnology with health economics and management sciences by evaluating the cost-effectiveness of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery systems compared to conventional formulations in chronic disease management. An approach combining systematic cost-effectiveness analysis, budget impact modeling, and market trend analysis was employed. Data were collected from published clinical trials (2018–2025), pharmaceutical pricing databases, and healthcare expenditure reports across multiple therapeutic categories. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the primary outcome measure.: LNP formulations demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness in oncology (ICER: $42,300/QALY) and metabolic disorders (ICER: $38,750/QALY) compared to conventional treatments. Despite higher acquisition costs (38–67% premium), total healthcare expenditure decreased by 23.4% due to improved bioavailability, reduced dosing frequency, and fewer adverse event-related hospitalizations. Market analysis revealed compound annual growth rate of 18.7% for nanopharmaceuticals, with significant implications for pharmaceutical supply chain management. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems present a compelling value proposition when assessed through integrated pharmacoeconomic frameworks. Healthcare administrators and pharmaceutical managers should consider total cost of care rather than unit acquisition costs when making formulary decisions regarding nanomedicines.