Cost-effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of disability among young adults and has a significant economic impact on society. Although MS is not currently a curable disease, costly treatments known as disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are available to reduce the disease impact in certain types of MS. In the current economic downturn, cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of therapies in MS has become an important part of the decision-making process in order to use resources efficiently in the face of the rapidly escalating costs of MS. While some studies have reported costs of DMTs at the level of cost-effectiveness thresholds, some have estimated their costs beyond the tolerance level of health care systems. On the basis of the current literature and given the difficulties in accurately assessing cost-effectiveness in diseases like MS, it is challenging to determine whether DMTs are cost-effective. Further population-based studies are required regarding the cost-effectiveness of therapies in MS.
Division of Clinical Neurology, University of Nottingham, C Floor South Block Room 2712, School of Clinical Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK. msxam3@nottingham.ac.uk
Ali
A
Manouchehrinia
Cris S
CS
Constantinescu
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care