Cost-effectiveness of interferon beta-1b in slowing multiple sclerosis disability progression. First estimates

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Neurology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by unpredictable relapses and remissions.
• Interferon beta-1b (IFN beta-1b) is a disease-modifying therapy used in RRMS management.
• Estimating the cost-effectiveness of such treatments is crucial for healthcare resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness (CE) of interferon beta-1b (IFN beta-1b) in mitigating disability progression in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Main Methods:

• A 40-year cohort model was developed for 1,000 females and 1,000 males with RRMS.
• Fifteen scenarios analyzed MS natural history, treatment efficacy, and associated direct and healthcare costs.
• The primary outcome measure was disability years avoided, analyzed from a Ministry of Health perspective using Nova Scotia data.

Main Results:

• Interferon beta-1b treatment reduced lifetime disability years by 10% in women with RRMS under reference case assumptions.
• The cost per disability year avoided was Can $189,230 (undiscounted) and Can $274,842 (discounted at 5%).
• Annual direct treatment costs for IFN beta-1b were substantially higher than estimated healthcare costs avoided.

Conclusions:

• The cost per disability year avoided with interferon beta-1b for RRMS is notably high, based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale.
• Cost-effectiveness estimates are even higher when using quality-of-life outcome measures.
• Further research is needed to refine estimates of treatment effects, MS natural history modification, and net societal costs.