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Frasco MA, Shih T, Incerti D, Diaz Espinosa O, Vania DK, Thomas N. Incremental net monetary benefit of ocrelizumab relative to subcutaneous interferon β-1a. J Med Econ 2017; 20:1074-1082. [PMID: 28726530 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2017.1357564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) impact the natural history of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by reducing annual relapse rates and slowing disability progression. The effect of DMTs on indirect costs has not been consistently explored in cost-effectiveness studies thus far. The value to patients of an emerging DMT, ocrelizumab, was quantified in comparison to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (IFNβSC) for the prevalent RRMS population with mild-to-moderate disability in the US, based on two Phase 3 trials, OPERA I and OPERA II, of ocrelizumab vs IFNβSC in RRMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Markov model was developed to compare disability progression as measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and relapse outcomes over a 30-year horizon for ocrelizumab vs IFNβSC. Direct, indirect, and informal costs (2016 US dollars) and utilities for EDSS health states were obtained from the literature. Hazard ratios for disability progression and relapse rates were estimated from clinical trials. Value was assessed by calculating the net monetary benefit (NMB), defined as the monetary value of discounted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) minus total costs, where the value of a QALY was $150,000. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS Ocrelizumab was associated with an incremental gain of 0.84 QALYs and cost savings of $287,713 relative to IFNβSC, resulting in an incremental NMB (INMB) of $413,611 per person over 30 years. The INMB increased by $151,763 for those initiating ocrelizumab at EDSS level 1 vs level 4. Influential parameters were QALY value, treatment costs, and disability progression; however, all sensitivity analyses indicated that the INMB for ocrelizumab relative to IFNβSC was ≥$300,000 per person. CONCLUSIONS Ocrelizumab provides greater value to RRMS patients compared with IFNβSC. Initiating ocrelizumab at lower EDSS levels leads to a greater cumulative value due to slower disability progression, which extends years with higher quality-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiffany Shih
- a Precision Health Economics , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Devin Incerti
- a Precision Health Economics , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | | | - Diana K Vania
- a Precision Health Economics , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Nina Thomas
- b Genentech, Inc. , South San Francisco , CA , USA
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Tanasescu R, Midgley A, Robins RA, Constantinescu CS. Decreased interferon-β induced STAT-4 activation in immune cells and clinical outcome in multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand 2017; 136:233-238. [PMID: 27918083 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interferon-β (IFN-β) is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). IFN-β activation of signal transduction and activation of transcription (STAT)-4 is linked to its immunomodulatory effects. Previous studies suggest a type I IFN deficit in immune cells of patients MS, but data on interferon-α/β receptor (IFNAR) expression and the relationship with treatment response are conflicting. Here, we compare IFN-β-mediated STAT4 activation in immune cells of untreated patients with MS and controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 27 untreated patients with relapsing MS, obtained before the initiation of IFN-β treatment, and 12 matched controls were treated in vitro with IFN-β. Total and phosphorylated STAT4 (pSTAT4) and IFNAR were measured by flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. The patients were followed up for 5 years. RESULTS pSTAT4 induction by IFN-β was lower in patients with MS than in controls, as was expression of IFNAR. pSTAT4 expression did not correlate with the clinical outcome at 5 years, measured by EDSS change. There was a negative correlation between the baseline IFNAR1 mRNA levels and relapse rate. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest decreased IFN-β responsiveness in patients with MS, associated with reduced STAT4 activation and reduced IFNAR expression. This reduced responsiveness does not appear to affect the long-term clinical outcome of IFN-β treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Tanasescu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience; Clinical Neurology Research Group; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; Nottingham UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila; Department of Neurology; Colentina Hospital; Bucharest Romania
| | - A. Midgley
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience; Clinical Neurology Research Group; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; Nottingham UK
| | - R. A. Robins
- Division of Immunology; Clinical Neurology Research Group; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; Nottingham UK
| | - C. S. Constantinescu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience; Clinical Neurology Research Group; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; Nottingham UK
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Mitsikostas DD, Goodin DS. Comparing the efficacy of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 18:109-116. [PMID: 29141791 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Establishing the relative efficacy and safety of the different disease modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is critical to the choice of agent that clinicians recommend for individual MS patients. The best evidence for the relative efficacy of the different DMTs comes from head-to-head randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Understanding that outcome-measures with the best established validity are the relapse rate and the actual (not the "confirmed") change in the extended disability status scale (EDSS), we conclude from these head-to-head RCTs that interferon-beta (IFNβ) given subcutaneously multiple times per week (either IFNβ-1b or IFNβ-1a) and glatiramer acetate (GA) are about equivalent in terms of efficacy and that both of these agents, as well as many of the other DMTs, are superior to weekly intramuscular IFNβ-1a. Nevertheless, as ever-newer agents with novel mechanisms of action are brought to the marketplace, such direct head-to-head trials are becoming increasingly impractical, raising the need for alternative methods to draw reasonable inferences from less rigorous clinical data. One possible approach to judging comparative efficacy is to make comparisons across clinical trials using the complimentary analytic methods of calculating both the relative risk/rate and the absolute risk/rate reductions. A consideration and application of this analytic approach is undertaken here. It is only with an understanding of the safety and efficacy of the different agents that we can select, together with the patient, the right agent for the right person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimos D Mitsikostas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1st Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Douglas S Goodin
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Neurology, 505 Parnassus Ave, Suite M-794, San Francisco, CA 94143-0114, USA.
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Soini E, Joutseno J, Sumelahti ML. Cost-utility of First-line Disease-modifying Treatments for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Clin Ther 2017; 39:537-557.e10. [PMID: 28209373 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of first-line treatments of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) (dimethyl fumarate [DMF] 240 mg PO BID, teriflunomide 14 mg once daily, glatiramer acetate 20 mg SC once daily, interferon [IFN]-β1a 44 µg TIW, IFN-β1b 250 µg EOD, and IFN-β1a 30 µg IM QW) and best supportive care (BSC) in the health care payer setting in Finland. METHODS The primary outcome was the modeled incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER; €/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained, 3%/y discounting). Markov cohort modeling with a 15-year time horizon was employed. During each 1-year modeling cycle, patients either maintained the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score or experienced progression, developed secondary progressive MS (SPMS) or showed EDSS progression in SPMS, experienced relapse with/without hospitalization, experienced an adverse event (AE), or died. Patients׳ characteristics, RRMS progression probabilities, and standardized mortality ratios were derived from a registry of patients with MS in Finland. A mixed-treatment comparison (MTC) informed the treatment effects. Finnish EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version quality-of-life and direct-cost estimates associated with EDSS scores, relapses, and AEs were applied. Four approaches were used to assess the outcomes: cost-effectiveness plane and efficiency frontiers (relative value of efficient treatments); cost-effectiveness acceptability frontier, which demonstrated optimal treatment to maximize net benefit; Bayesian treatment ranking (BTR); and an impact investment assessment (IIA; a cost-benefit assessment), which increased the clinical interpretation and appeal of modeled outcomes in terms of absolute benefit gained with fixed drug-related budget. Robustness of results was tested extensively with sensitivity analyses. FINDINGS Based on the modeled results, teriflunomide was less costly, with greater QALYs, versus glatiramer acetate and the IFNs. Teriflunomide had the lowest ICER (24,081) versus BSC. DMF brought marginally more QALYs (0.089) than did teriflunomide, with greater costs over the 15 years. The ICER for DMF versus teriflunomide was 75,431. Teriflunomide had >50% cost-effectiveness probabilities with a willingness-to-pay threshold of <€77,416/QALY gained. According to BTR, teriflunomide was first-best among the disease-modifying therapies, with potential willingness-to-pay thresholds of up to €68,000/QALY gained. In the IIA, teriflunomide was associated with the longest incremental quality-adjusted survival and time without cane use. Generally, primary outcomes results were robust, based on the sensitivity analyses. The results were sensitive only to large changes in analysis perspective or mixed-treatment comparison. IMPLICATIONS The results were sensitive only to large changes in analysis perspective or MTC. Based on the analyses, teriflunomide was cost-effective versus BSC or DMF with the common threshold values, was dominant versus other first-line RRMS treatments, and provided the greatest impact on investment. Teriflunomide is potentially the most cost-effective option among first-line treatments of RRMS in Finland.
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Schlöder J, Berges C, Luessi F, Jonuleit H. Dimethyl Fumarate Therapy Significantly Improves the Responsiveness of T Cells in Multiple Sclerosis Patients for Immunoregulation by Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020271. [PMID: 28134847 PMCID: PMC5343807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by an insufficient suppression of autoreactive T lymphocytes. One reason for the lack of immunological control is the reduced responsiveness of T effector cells (Teff) for the suppressive properties of regulatory T cells (Treg), a process termed Treg resistance. Here we investigated whether the disease-modifying therapy of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) influences the sensitivity of T cells in the peripheral blood of patients towards Treg-mediated suppression. We demonstrated that DMF restores responsiveness of Teff to the suppressive function of Treg in vitro, presumably by down-regulation of interleukin-6R (IL-6R) expression on T cells. Transfer of human immune cells into immunodeficient mice resulted in a lethal graft-versus-host reaction triggered by human CD4⁺ Teff. This systemic inflammation can be prevented by activated Treg after transfer of immune cells from DMF-treated MS patients, but not after injection of Treg-resistant Teff from therapy-naïve MS patients. Furthermore, after DMF therapy, proliferation and expansion of T cells and the immigration into the spleen of the animals is reduced and modulated by activated Treg. In summary, our data reveals that DMF therapy significantly improves the responsiveness of Teff in MS patients to immunoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Schlöder
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Carsten Berges
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Felix Luessi
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Helmut Jonuleit
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Trojano M, Tintore M, Montalban X, Hillert J, Kalincik T, Iaffaldano P, Spelman T, Sormani MP, Butzkueven H. Treatment decisions in multiple sclerosis — insights from real-world observational studies. Nat Rev Neurol 2017; 13:105-118. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Bargiela D, Bianchi MT, Westover MB, Chibnik LB, Healy BC, De Jager PL, Xia Z. Selection of first-line therapy in multiple sclerosis using risk-benefit decision analysis. Neurology 2017; 88:677-684. [PMID: 28087821 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To integrate long-term measures of disease-modifying drug efficacy and risk to guide selection of first-line treatment of multiple sclerosis. METHODS We created a Markov decision model to evaluate disability worsening and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) risk in patients receiving natalizumab (NTZ), fingolimod (FGL), or glatiramer acetate (GA) over 30 years. Leveraging publicly available data, we integrated treatment utility, disability worsening, and risk of PML into quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). We performed sensitivity analyses varying PML risk, mortality and morbidity, and relative risk of disease worsening across clinically relevant ranges. RESULTS Over the entire reported range of NTZ-associated PML risk, NTZ as first-line therapy is predicted to provide a greater net benefit (15.06 QALYs) than FGL (13.99 QALYs) or GA (12.71 QALYs) treatment over 30 years, after accounting for loss of QALYs due to PML or death (resulting from all causes). NTZ treatment is associated with delayed worsening to an Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≥6.0 vs FGL or GA (22.7, 17.0, and 12.4 years, respectively). Compared to untreated patients, NTZ-treated patients have a greater relative risk of death in the early years of treatment that varies according to PML risk profile. CONCLUSIONS NTZ as a first-line treatment is associated with the highest net benefit across full ranges of PML risk, mortality, and morbidity compared to FGL or GA. Integrated modeling of long-term treatment risks and benefits informs stratified clinical decision-making and can support patient counseling on selection of first-line treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bargiela
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Matthew T Bianchi
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - M Brandon Westover
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lori B Chibnik
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Brian C Healy
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Zongqi Xia
- From the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (D.B., B.C.H., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Department of Neurology, and Program in Translational Neuropsychiatric Genomics (D.B., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Institute for the Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Program for Medical and Population Genetics (D.B., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.), Broad Institute, Cambridge; Harvard Medical School (D.B., M.T.B., M.B.W., L.B.C., P.L.D.J., Z.X.); Department of Neurology (M.T.B., M.B.W.) and Biostatistics Center (B.C.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (L.B.C.), Boston, MA; and Department of Neurology (Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA.
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Gouider R. Can we discontinue disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis patients? Comments. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2016; 173:44-46. [PMID: 27919465 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Gouider
- Service de neurologie, unité de recherche neurophysiologie clinique et électrodiagnostic 03/UR/08-09, hôpital Razi, rue des orangers, La Manouba, 2010 Tunis, Tunisie.
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Abstract
This article reviews our current understanding and modern treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a disabling condition resulting in devastating social and economic impacts. As MS can affect any part of the central nervous system, the presentation is often diverse; however, there are key features that can be useful in the clinic. We comment on the diagnostic criteria and review the main subtypes of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS. Although the underlying aetiology of MS is still not known, we summarise those with most evidence of association. Finally, we aim to present treatment strategies for managing the acute relapse, disease-modifying therapies and MS symptoms. This review highlights that progressive MS is an area where there is currently a paucity of available disease-modifying treatments and this will be a major focus for future development.
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Dendrou CA, McVean G, Fugger L. Neuroinflammation - using big data to inform clinical practice. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 12:685-698. [PMID: 27857124 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is emerging as a central process in many neurological conditions, either as a causative factor or as a secondary response to nervous system insult. Understanding the causes and consequences of neuroinflammation could, therefore, provide insight that is needed to improve therapeutic interventions across many diseases. However, the complexity of the pathways involved necessitates the use of high-throughput approaches to extensively interrogate the process, and appropriate strategies to translate the data generated into clinical benefit. Use of 'big data' aims to generate, integrate and analyse large, heterogeneous datasets to provide in-depth insights into complex processes, and has the potential to unravel the complexities of neuroinflammation. Limitations in data analysis approaches currently prevent the full potential of big data being reached, but some aspects of big data are already yielding results. The implementation of 'omics' analyses in particular is becoming routine practice in biomedical research, and neuroimaging is producing large sets of complex data. In this Review, we evaluate the impact of the drive to collect and analyse big data on our understanding of neuroinflammation in disease. We describe the breadth of big data that are leading to an evolution in our understanding of this field, exemplify how these data are beginning to be of use in a clinical setting, and consider possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calliope A Dendrou
- Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Gil McVean
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, and Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Lars Fugger
- Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
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Faulkner SD, Lee M, Qin D, Morrell L, Xoxi E, Sammarco A, Cammarata S, Russo P, Pani L, Barker R. Pricing and reimbursement experiences and insights in the European Union and the United States: Lessons learned to approach adaptive payer pathways. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2016; 100:730-742. [DOI: 10.1002/cpt.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SD Faulkner
- Centre for Advancement for Sustainable Medical Innovation (CASMI); University of Oxford; Oxford United Kingdom
| | - M Lee
- Price Waterhouse Cooper's Strategy&; London United Kingdom
| | - D Qin
- Price Waterhouse Cooper's Strategy&; London United Kingdom
| | - L Morrell
- Centre for Advancement for Sustainable Medical Innovation (CASMI); University of Oxford; Oxford United Kingdom
| | - E Xoxi
- Italian Medicines Agency; Rome Italy
| | | | | | - P Russo
- Italian Medicines Agency; Rome Italy
| | - L Pani
- Italian Medicines Agency; Rome Italy
| | - R Barker
- Centre for Advancement for Sustainable Medical Innovation (CASMI); University of Oxford; Oxford United Kingdom
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Coclitu C, Constantinescu CS, Tanasescu R. The future of multiple sclerosis treatments. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:1341-1356. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1243056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Kavaliunas A, Manouchehrinia A, Stawiarz L, Ramanujam R, Agholme J, Hedström AK, Beiki O, Glaser A, Hillert J. Importance of early treatment initiation in the clinical course of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2016; 23:1233-1240. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458516675039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the long-term clinical progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). A special objective was to investigate whether early treatment decisions influence outcome. Methods: We included 639 patients diagnosed with MS from 2001 to 2007. The median follow-up time was 99 months (8.25 years). Cox regression models were applied to identify factors correlating with the outcome variable defined as time from treatment start to irreversible score 4 of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: Patients initiated on treatment later had a greater risk of reaching EDSS 4 (hazard ratio of 1.074 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.048−1.101)), increased by 7.4% for every year of delay in treatment start after MS onset. Patients who started treatment after 3 years from MS onset reached the outcome sooner with hazard ratio of 2.64 (95% CI, 1.71−4.08) compared with the patients who started treatment within 1 year from MS onset. Baseline EDSS and age at onset were found to be predictive factors of disability progression. Conclusion: Early treatment initiation was associated with a better clinical outcome. In addition, we confirmed the well-established prognostic factors of late age at onset and early disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrius Kavaliunas
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ali Manouchehrinia
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leszek Stawiarz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ryan Ramanujam
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden/Department of Mathematics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Agholme
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Karin Hedström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Omid Beiki
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden/Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Anna Glaser
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Hillert
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Gold R, Toumi M, Meesen B, Fogarty E. The payer’s perspective: What is the burden of MS and how should the patient’s perspective be integrated in health technology assessment conducted for taking decisions on access to care and treatment? Mult Scler 2016; 22:60-70. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458516650743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: In Europe, there exists considerable variability in access to care and treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To improve this situation, we identified key issues payers should take into account when making decisions on access to care and treatment for MS. We also give an overview of the different dimensions determining total MS burden and discuss why it is key to integrate the patient’s perspective in estimating this burden. Results: The total burden of MS relates to three dimensions: clinical, humanistic and economic. Although the clinical burden is extensively studied, crucial information is still missing about MS pathophysiology, how MS-related symptoms will develop during the disease course and which patients will progress more rapidly. With regard to the humanistic burden, information on patient-reported quality of life systematically collected in clinical trials for registration purposes is still scarce. Early engagement between pharmaceutical companies, the European Medicines Agency and health technology agencies to prospectively identify key evidence needs for the regulatory and reimbursement processes is required as a first step towards more equal access to care and treatment in MS in Europe. Patients’ expectations regarding treatment outcomes should be better researched and integrated into decision-making and patients should be counselled in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Department of Complex Decision Sciences and Health Policies, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Emer Fogarty
- National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), Dublin, Ireland
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De Lott LB, Burke JF, Kerber KA, Skolarus LE, Callaghan BC. Medicare Part D payments for neurologist-prescribed drugs. Neurology 2016; 86:1491-8. [PMID: 27009256 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe neurologists' Medicare Part D prescribing patterns and the potential effect of generic substitutions and price negotiation, which is currently prohibited. METHODS The 2013 Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use and Summary files were used. Payments for medications were aggregated by provider and drug (brand or generic). Payment, proportion of generic claims or day's supply, and median payment per monthly supply of medication were calculated by physician specialty and drug. Savings from generic substitution were estimated for brand drugs with a generic available. Medicare prices were compared to drug prices negotiated by the federal government with pharmaceutical manufacturers for the Veterans Administration (VA). RESULTS Neurologists comprised 13,060 (1.2%) providers with $5.0 billion (4.8%) in total payments, third highest of all specialties, with a median monthly payment of $141 (interquartile range $85-225). Multiple sclerosis drugs had the highest payments ($1.8 billion). Within neurologic disease groups ($3.4 billion in payments), 54.2%-91.8% of monthly supplies were generic, but 11.9%-71.3% of the payment was for generic medications. Generic substitution resulted in a $269 million (6.5%) payment decrease. VA pricing resulted in $1.5 billion (44.5% of $3.4 billion) in savings. CONCLUSIONS High payment per monthly supply of medication underlies the high total neurology drug payments and is driven by multiple sclerosis drugs. Lowering drug expenditures by Medicare should focus on drug prices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey B De Lott
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
| | - James F Burke
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Kevin A Kerber
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Lesli E Skolarus
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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66
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Larochelle C, Uphaus T, Prat A, Zipp F. Secondary Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: Neuronal Exhaustion or Distinct Pathology? Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:325-339. [PMID: 26987259 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of progression in neurological diseases, particularly in multiple sclerosis (MS) but also in neurodegenerative diseases, remains a significant challenge. MS patients switch from a relapsing-remitting to a progressive disease course, but it is not understood why and how this conversion occurs and why some patients never experience disease progression. Do aging and accumulation of neuronal damage induce progression, or do cognitive symptoms and accelerated grey matter (GM) atrophy point to distinct processes affecting networks? This review weighs accepted dogma against real data on the secondary progressive phase of the disease, highlighting current challenges in this important field and directions towards development of treatment strategies to slow or prevent progression of disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Larochelle
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn(2)), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Timo Uphaus
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn(2)), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn(2)), University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
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67
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Sánchez-de la Rosa R, García-Bujalance L, Meca-Lallana J. Cost analysis of glatiramer acetate versus interferon-β for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in patients with spasticity: the Escala study. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2015; 5:30. [PMID: 26475277 PMCID: PMC4608957 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-015-0066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Escala Study evidenced that the administration of glatiramer acetate for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis improved the spasticity of patients previously treated with interferon-β. However, whether such an improvement was translated into cost savings remained unclear. We therefore conducted a cost analysis of glatiramer acetate versus interferon-β in these patients with multiple sclerosis and spasticity. METHODS This cost analysis encompassed data from the observational Escala Study, which included patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and spasticity whose treatment had been switched from interferon-β to glatiramer acetate. Costs prior to starting glatiramer acetate (interferon-β period) were compared to the subsequent six months on glatiramer acetate (glatiramer acetate period). The analysis was carried out following the recommendations for conducting pharmacoeconomic studies and from the Spanish National Health System perspective. Costs associated with multiple sclerosis treatment, spasticity treatment and relapse management were expressed in 2014 euros (€); a 7.5 % discount was applied-when needed-as stipulated in Spanish law. RESULTS The management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, spasticity and relapses accounted for a 6-month cost per patient of 7,078.02€ when using interferon-β and 4,671.31€ when using glatiramer acetate. Switching from interferon-β to glatiramer acetate therefore represented a cost saving of 2,406.72€ per patient in favour of glatiramer acetate, which resulted from savings in treatment costs, relapse management and spasticity treatment of 1,890.02€, 430.48€ and 86.21€, respectively. The ratio of the costs during interferon-β was 1.5 times the costs during glatiramer acetate; thus, a fixed budget of 5,000,000€ would enable 1,070 patients to be treated with glatiramer acetate and only 706 patients with interferon-β. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with glatiramer acetate entailed cost savings when compared to interferon-β in patients with spasticity, which not only resulted from its lower costs of therapy and relapse management but also from its favourable effect on reducing spasticity. Thus, glatiramer acetate may be regarded as a more efficient alternative than interferon-β from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura García-Bujalance
- Market Access & Regulatory Department, TEVA Pharmaceutical, Calle de Anabel Segura, 11, 28108, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José Meca-Lallana
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Carretera Madrid-Cartagena, S/N, 30120, El Palmar, Spain.
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Matthews PM. Decade in review-multiple sclerosis: new drugs and personalized medicine for multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2015; 11:614-6. [PMID: 26503926 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2015.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Matthews
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, DuCane Road, London WC12 0NN
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Duddy M, Palace J. The UK Risk-Sharing Scheme for interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis. Outcome of the year-6 analysis. Pract Neurol 2015; 16:4-6. [PMID: 26430247 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2015-001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Duddy
- Department of Neurology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK
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Trinschek B, Luessi F, Gross CC, Wiendl H, Jonuleit H. Interferon-Beta Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Improves the Responsiveness of T Cells for Immune Suppression by Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:16330-46. [PMID: 26193267 PMCID: PMC4519953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160716330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by imbalanced immune regulatory networks, and MS patient-derived T effector cells are inefficiently suppressed through regulatory T cells (Treg), a phenomenon known as Treg resistance. In the current study we investigated T cell function in MS patients before and after interferon-beta therapy. We compared cytokine profile, responsiveness for Treg-mediated suppression ex vivo and evaluated reactivity of T cells in vivo using a humanized mouse model. We found that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of therapy-naive MS patients were resistant to Treg-mediated suppression. Treg resistance is associated with an augmented IL-6 production, enhanced IL-6 receptor expression, and increased PKB/c-Akt phosphorylation. These parameters as well as responsiveness of T cells to Treg-mediated suppression were restored after interferon-beta therapy of MS patients. Following transfer into immunodeficient mice, MS T cells induced a lethal graft versus host disease (GvHD) and in contrast to T cells of healthy volunteers, this aggressive T cell response could not be controlled by Treg, but was abolished by anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies. However, magnitude and lethality of GvHD induced by MS T cells was significantly decreased after interferon-beta therapy and the reaction was prevented by Treg activation in vivo. Our data reveals that interferon-beta therapy improves the immunoregulation of autoaggressive T effector cells in MS patients by changing the IL-6 signal transduction pathway, thus restoring their sensitivity to Treg-mediated suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Trinschek
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Felix Luessi
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Catharina C Gross
- Department of Neurology-Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Schlossplatz 2, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology-Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Schlossplatz 2, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Helmut Jonuleit
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Stüve O, Cutter GR. Multiple sclerosis drugs: how much bang for the buck? Lancet Neurol 2015; 14:460-1. [PMID: 25841666 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(15)00016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Stüve
- Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Medical Service Dallas, VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75216, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
| | - Gary R Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, Section on Research Methods and Clinical Trials, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
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Abstract
The use of cost-effectiveness modeling to prioritize healthcare spending has become a key foundation of UK government policy. Although the preferred method of evaluation-cost-utility analysis-is not without its critics, it represents a standard approach that can arguably be used to assess relative value for money across a range of disease types and interventions. A key limitation of economic modeling, however, is that its conclusions hinge on the input assumptions, many of which are derived from randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses that cannot be reliably linked to real-world performance of treatments in a broader clinical context. This means that spending decisions are frequently based on artificial constructs that may project costs and benefits that are significantly at odds with those that are achievable in reality. There is a clear agenda to carry out some form of predictive validation for the model claims, in order to assess not only whether the spending decisions made can be justified post hoc, but also to ensure that budgetary expenditure continues to be allocated in the most rational way. To date, however, no timely, effective system to carry out this testing has been implemented, with the consequence that there is little objective evidence as to whether the prioritization decisions made are actually living up to expectations. This article reviews two unfulfilled initiatives that have been carried out in the UK over the past 20 years, each of which had the potential to address this objective, and considers why they failed to deliver the expected outcomes.
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