1.docx
This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA
Overview
Download & View 1.docx as PDF for free.
More details
- Words: 205
- Pages: 1
Cost-Analysis of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Italy after the Introduction of New Disease-Modifying Agents Pierluigi Russo; Alessandro Capone; Andrea Paolillo; Francesco Macchia; Federica Ranzato; Gianfranco Costantino; Luca Degli Esposti; Luciano Caprino DISCLOSURES Clin Drug Invest. 2004;24(7)
This is the first Italian study exploring health-resource utilisation in patients with RRMS after the introduction of new disease-modifying agents (IFNβ and glatiramer acetate). The current study provides evidence based on randomised clinical trials relating to the use of IFNβ treatment in patients with RRMS. During the study period, 73.8% of patients with RRMS were treated with disease-modifying agents, with IFNβ being the most widely prescribed (63.3%). Glatiramer acetate and immunoglobulins, which have also demonstrated their efficacy in reducing clinical relapses, and have per-user costs quite similar to that of IFNβ, were prescribed in only 3.8% and 1.1% of patients, respectively. This might be due to the fact that glatiramer acetate is considered an alternative choice if adverse events occur during IFNβ treatment or to the lower clinical efficacy of immunoglobulins when compared with IFNβ. Overall, the physicians' approaches to disease management seem to be significantly influenced by the availability of new disease-modifying agents, especially IFNβ, inducing a relevant change on both the pharmacoutilisation and economic burden of MS.
This is the first Italian study exploring health-resource utilisation in patients with RRMS after the introduction of new disease-modifying agents (IFNβ and glatiramer acetate). The current study provides evidence based on randomised clinical trials relating to the use of IFNβ treatment in patients with RRMS. During the study period, 73.8% of patients with RRMS were treated with disease-modifying agents, with IFNβ being the most widely prescribed (63.3%). Glatiramer acetate and immunoglobulins, which have also demonstrated their efficacy in reducing clinical relapses, and have per-user costs quite similar to that of IFNβ, were prescribed in only 3.8% and 1.1% of patients, respectively. This might be due to the fact that glatiramer acetate is considered an alternative choice if adverse events occur during IFNβ treatment or to the lower clinical efficacy of immunoglobulins when compared with IFNβ. Overall, the physicians' approaches to disease management seem to be significantly influenced by the availability of new disease-modifying agents, especially IFNβ, inducing a relevant change on both the pharmacoutilisation and economic burden of MS.
Related Documents
