Cost-analysis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Italy after the introduction of new disease-modifying agents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

During the last decade, several agents have proven to be effective in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), for example interferon-beta (IFNβ) and glatiramer acetate. This study aimed to perform a cost-analysis of the treatment of patients with RRMS in Italy after the introduction of these new agents.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective observational study with systematic patient inclusion.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data gathered from 630 patients with confirmed RRMS over a 2-year period were evaluated. Overall, the direct cost over 2 years reached €11 073 100 thousand, corresponding to a per-patient cost of €17 576 (year of costing, 2001). The cost of disease-modifying agents represented approximately 77% of the total expenditure. IFNβ accounted for 94% of the expense of disease-modifying agents, corresponding to a 2-year cost per patient of €20 223. Although glatiramer acetate and immunoglobulins were also associated with a high level of expense, these were prescribed in only 3.8% and 1.1% of patients, respectively. Using regression analyses, IFNβ therapy, disability, number of days spent in hospital per year and the frequency of magnetic resonance imaging procedures were the main predictors of total costs.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, IFNβ treatment considerably modified the management of RRMS and was associated with a rise in cost of treatment per patient.