MS drugs are pricey, and more research on patients' is needed

The cost of drug treatment in multiple sclerosis is high but decreases with prolonged treatment. Evaluating the cost effectiveness of interferon beta and glatiramer acetate, Chilcott and colleagues (p 522) estimated that cost effectiveness with a 20 year time horizon ranges from £42 000 to £98 000 per quality adjusted life year gained. Uncertainty about estimates was substantial because of the unpredictability of the disease and the difficulty in capturing all aspects of its impact on patients. As Miller discusses in a commentary (p 525), more primary and secondary research is needed on who will most benefit from these disease modifying treatments.

(Credit: JAMES KING-HOLMES/SPL)

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Relevant Article

Modelling the cost effectiveness of interferon beta and glatiramer acetate in the management of multiple sclerosis • Commentary: Evaluating disease modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis

Jim Chilcott, Chris McCabe, Paul Tappenden, Anthony O'Hagan, Nicola J Cooper, Keith Abrams, Karl Claxton, and David H Miller
BMJ 2003 326: 522. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]