OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of subcutaneous interferon-beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) 44mug three times weekly in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using an econometric model. METHODS: Data on RRMS patients treated with IFNbeta-1a 22 or 44mug subcutaneously three times weekly or placebo for up to 4 years were obtained from the Prevention of Relapses and disability by Interferon-beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis (PRISMS) study. The area under the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score-time curve was used as a measure of disability and the effectiveness of therapy was expressed as EDSS-months of disability prevented. Costs were calculated for the UK and France, and results were projected to 10 and 20 years using a time series regression model. RESULTS: Over 10 years, treatment with IFNbeta-1a 44mug subcutaneously three times weekly prevented 121 EDSS-months of additional disability at a cost of Euros (euro)732 each (year of costing 2000). Over 20 years, 321 EDSS-months were saved at a cost of euro359 per month (year of costing 2000). CONCLUSION: This analysis indicated that IFNbeta-1a 44mug subcutaneously three times weekly is cost effective in RRMS and that treatment becomes increasingly cost effective over time.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of subcutaneous interferon-beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) 44mug three times weekly in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using an econometric model. METHODS: Data on RRMS patients treated with IFNbeta-1a 22 or 44mug subcutaneously three times weekly or placebo for up to 4 years were obtained from the Prevention of Relapses and disability by Interferon-beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis (PRISMS) study. The area under the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score-time curve was used as a measure of disability and the effectiveness of therapy was expressed as EDSS-months of disability prevented. Costs were calculated for the UK and France, and results were projected to 10 and 20 years using a time series regression model. RESULTS: Over 10 years, treatment with IFNbeta-1a 44mug subcutaneously three times weekly prevented 121 EDSS-months of additional disability at a cost of Euros (euro)732 each (year of costing 2000). Over 20 years, 321 EDSS-months were saved at a cost of euro359 per month (year of costing 2000). CONCLUSION: This analysis indicated that IFNbeta-1a 44mug subcutaneously three times weekly is cost effective in RRMS and that treatment becomes increasingly cost effective over time.
Authors: G Comi; M Filippi; F Barkhof; L Durelli; G Edan; O Fernández; H Hartung; P Seeldrayers; P S Sørensen; M Rovaris; V Martinelli; O R Hommes Journal: Lancet Date: 2001-05-19 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: K P Johnson; B R Brooks; J A Cohen; C C Ford; J Goldstein; R P Lisak; L W Myers; H S Panitch; J W Rose; R B Schiffer Journal: Neurology Date: 1995-07 Impact factor: 9.910
Authors: L D Jacobs; D L Cookfair; R A Rudick; R M Herndon; J R Richert; A M Salazar; J S Fischer; D E Goodkin; C V Granger; J H Simon; J J Alam; D M Bartoszak; D N Bourdette; J Braiman; C M Brownscheidle; M E Coats; S L Cohan; D S Dougherty; R P Kinkel; M K Mass; F E Munschauer; R L Priore; P M Pullicino; B J Scherokman; R H Whitham Journal: Ann Neurol Date: 1996-03 Impact factor: 10.422