Study Demonstrates Cost-Effectiveness of Echolight REMS Technology

A study evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Echolight’s Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) suggests the technology provides potential economic benefits and improved health outcomes in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in the US. Published in JBMR Plus, the study used an economic model to assess the cost-effectiveness of REMS followed by treatment compared to no diagnosis. It also found that REMS could prevent over 100 000 fractures over a lifetime if an additional 5% of at-risk patients in the US are detected and treated.

The study by Reginster et al., used a microsimulation-based Markov model to estimate the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained (in US $2022) for REMS followed by treatment vs no diagnosis and treatment in US women aged 50 years and older with osteoporosis and categorized as either high risk or very high risk for fractures. The authors report the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of REMS was estimated at $33 891 and $49,198 per QALY gained under full adherence and real-world adherence scenarios, respectively.

Radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry (REMS) offers a portable, radiation-free alternative with accuracy comparable to DXA. According to the authors, “the REMS technique also offers the advantage of not only measuring bone density but also generating a fragility score, providing a comprehensive assessment of both bone quantity and quality and 5-yr fracture risk.”