Pharmacoeconomic and socioeconomic aspects of multiple sclerosis treatment in different countries
https://doi.org/10.17749/2070-4909/farmakoekonomika.2026.309
Abstract
The social burden of multiple sclerosis is determined by its significant impact on quality of life: the presence of disabling symptoms, and severe comorbid somatic and psychological disorders, as well as the need for continuous medication and its impact on well-being. The economic burden of this disease affects both healthcare systems and patients. This can primarily be attributed to the high costs of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), alongside expenses for hospitalization and the escalation of total costs as patient disability progresses. While direct costs dominated by DMTs, account for approximately 70–90% of total expenditures, indirect costs such as temporary disability, cost of care, and premature death range from 20% to 50% in different countries. Noteworthy is that exacerbations can double treatment costs. Although outpatient care accounts for 80–90% of all costs due to the use of DMTs, inpatient care for severe exacerbations still remains a significant cost driver.
About the Author
S. S. Maslova
Volgograd State Medical University;
Volgograd Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Svetlana S. Maslova
1 Pavshikh Bortsov Sq., Volgograd 400066;
13 Angarskaya Str., Volgograd 400081
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What is already known about thе subject?
► Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease characterized by multiple focal lesions of the nervous system, which leads to disability and impaired quality of life
► Early administration of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS effectively reduces the frequency of exacerbations and the risk of disease progression
► DMTs represent the primary cost driver in the management of MS patients
What are the new findings?
► Drawing on the latest scientific data, a comprehensive assessment of MS treatment in various countries was carried out
► Analysis of data on the MS prevalence in various countries confirmed a rising trend in both disease prevalence and detection rates
► The socioeconomic factors were shown to have a significant impact on the disease burden for both patients and the healthcare system
How might it impact the clinical practice in the foreseeable future?
► The findings facilitate the consideration of economic factors when prescribing DMTs for MS
Review
For citations:
Maslova S.S. Pharmacoeconomic and socioeconomic aspects of multiple sclerosis treatment in different countries. FARMAKOEKONOMIKA. Modern Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology. 2026;1(19):194-199. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17749/2070-4909/farmakoekonomika.2026.309
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