Prime: MS Spend Was Steady as Generics Helped Offset Costs
More than 20 multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) currently are available in the U.S. But even with all the competition, prices for most of the agents are around $80,000 per year. Following updated professional treatment guidelines and the FDA approval of new therapies, including generics, Prime Therapeutics LLC recently conducted a study to determine spend and use of the agents over a two-year period. Spending for the class remained fairly steady, as generic use helped offset some costs. Payers should encourage use of these products to help contain their spend on this class, maintains a source from the PBM.
All of the drugs in the study are approved to treat relapsing forms of MS, the most common disease course. Only one — ocrelizumab — also is approved to treat primary progressive MS.
Prime presented the findings during the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Virtual Annual Meeting in April.
Meet Our Reporters
-
Lauren Flynn Kelly Executive Editor, AIS Health, and Managing Editor, Radar on Medicare Advantage
View Lauren Flynn Kelly's Profile -
Angela Maas Managing Editor, Radar on Specialty Pharmacy and Spotlight on Market Access
View Angela Maas's Profile -
Leslie Small Managing Editor, Health Plan Weekly and Radar on Drug Benefits
View Leslie Small's Profile -
Peter Johnson Senior Editor, Health Plan Weekly and Radar on Drug Benefits
View Peter Johnson's Profile -
Tim Casey Reporter, Health Plan Weekly and Radar on Drug Benefits
View Tim Casey's Profile -
Carina Belles Reporter, Radar on Medicare Advantage and Spotlight on Market Access
View Carina Belles's Profile -
Jinghong Chen Reporter, Health Plan Weekly and Radar on Drug Benefits
View Jinghong Chen's Profile