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 (IFNß) 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. IFNß 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, IFNß 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, IFNß treatment considerably modified the management of RRMS and was associated with a rise in cost of treatment per patient.