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01-08-2003 | Current Opinion

Early Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis

Better Outcomes for Patients and Society?

Authors: Dr Peter Flachenecker, Peter Rieckmann

Published in: Drugs | Issue 15/2003

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be a chronic inflammatory disorder of the CNS. The past decade has seen the introduction of the new immunomodulatory drugs, interferon (IFN)-β and glatiramer acetate, that have considerably improved the therapeutic options for this often disabling disease. The efficacy of these treatments in terms of reducing relapse rate and slowing progression has been proven in several large, multicentre, randomised, controlled trials. Similarly, early IFNβ treatment of patients with clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of MS has been shown to lengthen time to conversion into definite MS. Cost-effectiveness has been questioned with the increasing use of these innovative and, therefore, costly therapies; however, modern studies with appropriate economic modelling suggest that treatment with IFNβ may indeed be cost-effective. Since increasing disability is associated with increasing costs, stabilisation of the disease at low functional grades of disability should aim at not only improving quality of life for the individual patient, but provide for prospective cost-benefit analysis focussing on the socioeconomic aspects of MS.

Use of tradenames is for product identification only and does not imply endorsement.

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Title: Early Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis
Better Outcomes for Patients and Society?
Authors: Dr Peter Flachenecker
Peter Rieckmann
Publication date: 01-08-2003
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Drugs / Issue 15/2003
Print ISSN: 0012-6667
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1950
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200363150-00001

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Early Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis

Better Outcomes for Patients and Society?

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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