How real-world evidence from MarketScan supports smoking cessation strategies for COPD

Smoking remains the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and quitting is the most effective intervention to slow disease progression and improve outcomes. Yet for many patients, cessation is complex—requiring behavioral support, pharmacologic aids, and sustained engagement. During COPD Awareness Month, we highlight how researchers are using MarketScan data to evaluate smoking cessation strategies and their real-world impact on healthcare utilization and cost.

How MarketScan data drives insights into smoking cessation for COPD

From evaluating healthcare cost reductions to analyzing the effectiveness of prescription therapies, these studies capture real-world behaviors and outcomes. The insights gathered pave the way for smarter, evidence-based approaches to COPD management and improving lung health.

• Economic benefits of smoking cessation for COPD patients: A 2024 study published in the Harm Reduction Journal analyzed 23,427 adult male COPD patients, using MarketScan claims. Researchers compared three cohorts: those who continued smoking, those who quit all tobacco, and those who switched to smokeless tobacco. After adjusting for comorbidities and exacerbations, the quit cohort showed a $2,910 reduction in annual healthcare costs compared to continued smokers. This study demonstrates the value of claims data in quantifying the economic benefits of cessation and harm-reduction strategies.
• Transitions in tobacco use and clinical outcomes: A poster presented at ISPOR 2023 used MarketScan data to compare healthcare utilization among adult males with COPD who quit smoking, switched to smokeless tobacco, or continued smoking. Those who quit had lower rates of inpatient admissions and emergency department visits, reinforcing the clinical value of cessation beyond cost savings.
• Prompt treatment matters for COPD patients: A study published in the October 2021 edition of CHEST used MarketScan databases to examine how quickly patients with COPD begin triple therapy after an exacerbation. Researchers found that prompt initiation within 30 days was associated with fewer future exacerbations, hospitalizations, and severe episodes, while delays of 31–180 days or longer significantly increased risks. By leveraging MarketScan’s large, real‑world dataset, the study demonstrates how claims evidence can identify treatment gaps and guide timely interventions that improve outcomes and reduce the burden of COPD.

How MarketScan data impacts smoking cessation

MarketScan’s closed-claims structure and longitudinal follow-up make it an ideal resource for evaluating smoking cessation interventions. The breadth and depth of the data allow researchers to conduct nuanced analyses that go beyond the limitations of traditional clinical trials.

Key benefits of Marketscan data for smoking cessation:

• Track healthcare utilization before and after a patient quits smoking
• Compare outcomes across different cessation methods, including cold turkey, nicotine replacement, and harm reduction
• Model cost savings and economic impact for payers and employers
• Identify high-risk populations to enable targeted outreach and intervention programs

With access to pharmacy claims, inpatient and outpatient data, and linked assets like mortality and productivity metrics, MarketScan enables nuanced analyses that capture real-world behavior and its subsequent impact on the healthcare system.

From insight to action with real-world evidence

As the healthcare industry emphasizes prevention and effective disease management for conditions like COPD, these studies demonstrate how real-world data can guide smarter strategies. Whether evaluating cessation programs, modeling risk, or informing health policy, MarketScan helps researchers and decision-makers understand what works—and for whom.

By leveraging MarketScan’s comprehensive claims data, researchers can evaluate the true impact of smoking cessation strategies on COPD management. MarketScan enables you to capture real-world behaviors and outcomes that matter most. Our data can help accelerate discovery and create smarter, evidence-based strategies for improving lives.

Ready to uncover actionable insights with MarketScan? Connect with our team today to explore how our data can transform your research and improve patient outcomes.