Multiple Sclerosis

We estimated the long-term risks and benefits of disease modifying therapies. Benefits were favored by natalizumab with minimal increased risks in the negative anti-JC virus population.

In an educational symposium entitled, "The Evolution of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: The Role of the Managed Care Pharmacist," Kristen Helms, PharmD, and her 2 colleagues discuss how treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have evolved over the past 2 decades, explore the novel and emerging therapeutic strategies for MS, and cover strategies to improve medication adherence for the chronic disease.

We only have to take a brief look back to see that 10 years ago, most specialty drugs were injectable agents used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and growth disorders. Today, the list of agents that is considered specialty includes many oral drugs and even some inhaled agents. In just more than 2 decades, the specialty drug market place has grown substantially.

An examination of hospitalization patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis with a focus on the association with time and patient characteristics.

This study examines the association between cost-sharing and initiation of disease-modifying therapies among privately insured patients with multiple sclerosis.

The American Journal of Managed Care team had the opportunity to attend the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy's 24th Annual Meeting in San Francisco this past week. Here are some of the key takeaways from the very informative sessions.

The specialty market has experienced a significant rate of growth as well as increased costs over the past few years thanks to a broader use of specialty medications to treat common and rare diseases.

Also on the agenda for day one at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) 24th Annual Meeting in San Francisco was a satellite symposium that focused on analyzing and applying evidence to improve the cost/benefit and risk/benefit outcomes in multiple sclerosis. One of the overarching themes throughout the 5 presentations that comprised the program was medication adherence.