Title: Clinical and Economic Evaluations in Healthcare Management

Date: March 25, 2026

Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/99005017066?pwd=snUQcQ9qupbbaDOxZcELVpwlw8fFOm.1

Ali A Abdeen

PhD Candidate in Industrial Engineering

School of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology

Thesis Committee:

Dr. Turgay Ayer (advisor), School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. David Goldsman, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Jovan Julien, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Gian-Gabriel Garcia, Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington

Dr. Qiushi Chen, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

Abstract:

As healthcare decisions rely more on clinical results and economic evaluations, simulation modeling offers an efficient way to assess the implications of therapeutic interventions within healthcare systems. This thesis applies simulation modeling to assess the cost-effectiveness and health outcomes of novel treatment strategies across various medical conditions. To inform policy and clinical practice about upcoming therapeutic interventions.

• Chapters 1 and 2 focus on the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced cancers and the economic challenges due to their high costs. Immunotherapy agents have transformed the management of several cancers, improving survival when combined with chemotherapy. However, their prices raise concerns about affordability and patient access, making value-based pricing essential. In this chapter, we build a value-based pricing model to estimate the optimal price range at which these medications are cost-effective.

• Chapter 3 focuses on the obesity epidemic, particularly on the cost-effectiveness of treatments that not only aid in weight management but also control blood sugar levels and delay diabetes. This part evaluates the use of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), specifically tirzepatide. Comparing it with lifestyle interventions for obese patients with prediabetes. By examining the economic and health outcomes of these treatments from the perspective of US healthcare, this research aims to guide payer and physician decisions regarding coverage, access, and treatment strategies for this growing patient population.

• Chapter 4 extends the analysis of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) liver disease, a condition driven by metabolic syndrome. Traditionally, the standard of care has been lifestyle intervention. However, the FDA has recently approved two medications that delay the disease progression. In this chapter, we develop a disease progression model for MASH and evaluate the outcomes of different pharmacotherapy strategies.

• Chapter 5 investigates the economic evaluation of bariatric surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this work, we examine the clinical and economic outcomes of surgery across each stage of CKD. We also constructed a disease progression model to project the long-term impact of bariatric surgery on CKD progression and outcomes.

• Chapter 6 focuses on the economic evaluation of meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Diabetes Compact criteria, specifically in the Indian population, where healthcare coverage remains limited. Using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) survey, we build a microsimulation model to assess the cost-effectiveness of meeting WHO criteria, stratified by geographic regions in India.