Avonex interferon beta-1a autoimmune data

Researchers at the University of Rochester and colleagues published an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of DMTs to treat MS in the U.S. showing that use of DMTs for 10 years leads to modest health gains compared to best supportive care but at an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) that exceeded $800,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The researchers estimated that based on ICER estimates alone, all DMT interventions had similar cost-effectiveness compared to best supportive care over a 10-year period. Specifically, the ICER per QALY gained was $901,319 for Avonex; $1.12 million for Betaseron; $2.18 million for Copaxone; and $1.49 million for Rebif. Additionally, best supportive care led to 6.5 QALYs gained compared to 6.69 for Avonex; 6.67 for Betaseron; 6.58 for Copaxone; and 6.63 for Rebif.

The researchers also estimated that all interventions had similar gains in relapse-free years (RFYs) compared to best supportive care over a 10-year period. Specifically, best supportive care led to 5.05 RFYs gained compared to 5.62 for Avonex; 6.07 for Betaseron; 5.88 for Copaxone; and 5.92 for Rebif. The ICER per RFY gained was $303,339 for Avonex; $188,973 for Betaseron; $216,094 for Copaxone; and $216,426 for Rebif. Furthermore, the researchers estimated that the average 10-year total cost for best supportive care would be $267,710 compared to $467,712 for Avonex; $492,310 for Betaseron; $476,228 for Copaxone; and $485,832 for Rebif. The researchers said that reducing the cost of DMTs had the greatest impact on the cost-effectiveness. Additionally, starting DMTs earlier was associated with a more favorable estimated ICER compared to starting treatment after a patient reached noticeable disability. However, the journal said in a statement that because the study was only based on up to 4 years of observational data, the analysis did not address whether DMTs "affected the likelihood, timing or severity of MS disease progression." ...