Study evaluates cost-effectiveness of MS drugs
The use of disease-modifying therapies in the U.S. to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) for 10 years leads to modest health gains compared to best supportive care but at an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) that exceeds $800,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), according to a study published in Neurology from researchers at the University of Rochester. However, the journal noted in a statement that the study did not account for the effect of any of the treatments on progression, the most disabling aspect of MS, because the researchers reviewed a maximum of just four years of observational data.
The study analyzed data from 844 patients with relapsing MS in the U.S who participated in the Sonya Slifka Longitudinal MS Survey. Disease-modifying treatments in the study included Avonex interferon beta-1a from Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB); Copaxone glatiramer acetate from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ:TEVA); Rebif interferon beta-1a from Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Merck KGaA (Xetra:MRK); Betaseron interferon beta-1b from Bayer AG (Xetra:BAY). The researchers said best supportive care consisted of treatments other than interferon beta-1b and glatiramer. ...