Interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis. Can we control its costs?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
1Department of Economics, University of Nottingham, England.
Abstract:
The recent licensing of interferon-beta for use in patients with multiple sclerosis has caused concern, in view of the equivocal evidence of efficacy, pressure of public expectation towards its use and the high expected cost if widespread use were to be sanctioned. Whether such alarm is justified remains a moot point. Owing to the limited range of circumstances of proven efficacy and the lack of cost-effectiveness data, it remains unclear whether sanctioned usage will proliferate to the anticipated extent. Unit costs may well fall in the future owing to competition in the pharmaceutical market. Interferon-beta is simply one example of a growing trend in actively promoted high-cost preparations over which rationing decisions will have to be reached.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Drug Products: Biologics, Biosimilars and Interchangeables
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...