Information provided by: Cherie C. Binns RN BS MSCN
Article written by: Ashley N. Newton, MHA, MAcc, CPA; Christina M. Stica, MHA
The purpose of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of four disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS): glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone), interferon beta-1a (IFN`-1a) intramuscular (IM) injection (Avonex), IFN`-1a subcutaneous (SC) injection (Rebif), and interferon beta-1b (IFN`-1b) SC injection (Betaseron). Cost-effectiveness analyses are useful in countering the financial uncertainties and treatment efficacy concerns faced by people with MS. We conducted simulation analyses of the principal findings of a 2009 study by Goldberg et al. (Goldberg LD, Edwards NC, Fincher C, et al: Comparing the cost-effectiveness of disease-modifying drugs for the first-line treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. J Manag Care Pharm. 2009;15:543–555) to frame the researchers’ findings from the perspectives of cost-conscious and cost-neutral MS patients.
We found that for the cost-conscious consumer, the ranking of most (1) to least (4) preferred DMDs was 1) IFN`-1a IM (Avonex), 2) GA (Copaxone), 3) IFN`-1a SC (Rebif), and 4) IFN`-1b SC (Betaseron). For the cost-neutral consumer who places priority on effectiveness over costs, the ranking was 1) IFN`-1a SC (Rebif), 2) IFN`-1b SC (Betaseron), 3) GA (Copaxone), and 4) IFN`-1a IM (Avonex). Future studies could examine cost-effectiveness over extended periods of time (eg, 15–20 years) and more closely examine the cost-effectiveness of natalizumab (Tysabri) relative to the four primary DMDs. Int J MS Care. 2011;13:128–135
The cost of health care in the United States is escalating rapidly, placing continual strain on the US economy and causing the number of people without health insurance to increase. Thus, it is essential to examine every aspect of the current healthcare system to identify solutions and reduce costs. Although technological improvements tend to enhance health-care outcomes, they have also led to higher expenses. Cost-effectiveness analyses are used to assess the monetary cost of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) relative to their effectiveness in achieving a predefined purpose.
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