Cost-Utility Analysis and Efficiency Frontier of Drugs Available in Brazil for the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting...

In the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS), the different drugs for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are used in an escalating approach, through therapeutic lines from lowest to highest efficacy. Early intensive treatment, indicating the use of more effective drugs for the first symptoms of the disease, has been advocated by some specialists; however, the clinical and economic impact of this strategy is unknown. The aim of this study was to conduct cost-utility, net benefit, and efficiency frontier (EF) analyses for all drugs approved in Brazil for RRMS.

A Markov model was constructed from the SUS perspective to conduct economic analyses. The outcomes of the annualized relapse rate and sustained disability progression were modeled, considering disease progression according to changes in levels on the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Net benefit and EF analyses were also conducted.

In the cost-utility assessment, 12 of the 14 drugs were dominated by alemtuzumab and teriflunomide. An EF was established between the 2 drugs with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $8231.87/quality-adjusted life-years. Teriflunomide obtained the best results in the net benefit assessment. Most drugs had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below the cost-utility threshold ($8000.00/quality-adjusted life-years) in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Considering the early intensive treatment in EF may modify the current RRMS treatment paradigm, and the results presented may help define the cost-utility of new entrants to SUS.