Glatiramer acetate and interferon beta-1a for intramuscular administration: a study of outcomes among multiple sclerosis intent-to-treat and persistent-use cohorts

Neuroprotection by upregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) in SOD1G93A mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects motoneurons, causing muscle atrophy and evolving to death. Astrocytes inhibit the expression of MHC-I by neurons, contributing to a degenerative outcome. The present study verified the influence of interferon β (IFN β) treatment, a proinflammatory cytokine that upregulates MHC-I expression, in SOD1G93A transgenic mice. For that, 17 days old presymptomatic female mice were subjected to subcutaneous application of IFN β (250, 1,000, and 10,000 IU) every other day for 20 days. Rotarod motor test, clinical score, and body weight assessment were conducted every third day throughout the treatment period. No significant intergroup variations were observed in such parameters during the pre-symptomatic phase. All mice were then euthanized, and the spinal cords collected for comparative analysis of motoneuron survival, reactive gliosis, synapse coverage, microglia morphology classification, cytokine analysis by flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR quantification of gene transcripts. Additionally, mice underwent Rotarod motor assessment, weight monitoring, and neurological scoring. The results show that IFN β treatment led to an increase in the expression of MHC-I, which, even at the lowest dose (250 IU), resulted in a significant increase in neuronal survival in the ALS presymptomatic period which lasted until the onset of the disease. The treatment also influenced synaptic preservation by decreasing excitatory inputs and upregulating the expression of AMPA receptors by astrocytes. Microglial reactivity quantified by the integrated density of pixels did not decrease with treatment but showed a less activated morphology, coupled with polarization to an M1 profile. Disease progression upregulated gene transcripts for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and IFN β treatment significantly decreased mRNA expression for IL4. Overall, the present results demonstrate that a low dosage of IFN β shows therapeutic potential by increasing MHC-I expression, resulting in neuroprotection and immunomodulation.

Relapses and disease-modifying drug treatment in pregnancy and live birth in US women with MS

Objective

To evaluate relapse rates and disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatment in US women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a live birth.

Methods

This retrospective administrative claims database study used US commercial health plan data from women with MS and a live birth from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2015. Relapses and DMD treatment were evaluated 1-year prepregnancy, during pregnancy, during puerperium (6 weeks postpregnancy), and 1-year postpregnancy. Relapse was defined as MS-related hospitalization, emergency room visit, or outpatient visit with corticosteroid prescription within 7 days. Generalized estimating equation models for longitudinal data tested for differences between prepregnancy vs the other time periods.

Results

A total of 2,158 patients were eligible. The odds of relapse declined during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 0.623, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.521–0.744; p < 0.0001), increased during puerperium (OR 1.710, 95% CI 1.358–2.152; p < 0.0001), and ended at a higher level during the last 3 postpartum quarters (OR 1.216, 95% CI 1.052–1.406; p = 0.0081). The proportion of women with DMD treatment was rather low overall: approximately 20% prepregnancy, bottoming to 1.9% during the second trimester, and peaking at 25.5% 9 to 12 months postpartum. DMD treatment declined significantly during pregnancy (OR 0.171, 95% CI 0.144–0.203; p < 0.0001), remained lower during puerperium (OR 0.361, 95% CI 0.312–0.418; p < 0.0001), and ended at a higher level during the last 3 postpartum quarters (OR 1.259, 95% CI 1.156–1.371; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The rate of MS relapse decreased during pregnancy, increased 6 months postpartum, and decreased 6 to 12 months postpartum. DMD treatment was uncommon in the year before pregnancy, further decreased immediately prepregnancy and during pregnancy, and increased postpartum.

Development and validation of a claims-based measure as an indicator for disease status in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with disease-modifying drugs

Background

Administrative healthcare claims data provide a mechanism for assessing and monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) disease status across large, clinically representative “real-world” populations. The estimation of MS disease status using administrative claims can be a challenge, however, due to a lack of detailed clinical information. Retrospective claims analyses in MS have traditionally used rates of MS relapses to approximate disease status. Healthcare costs may be alternate, broader claims-based indicators of disease activity because costs reflect multiple facets of care of patients with MS, and there is a strong correlation between quality of life of patients with MS and costs of the disease. This study developed, tested, and validated a healthcare cost-based measure to serve as an indicator of overall disease status in patients with MS treated with disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) utilizing administrative claims.

Methods

Using IMS Health Real World Data Adjudicated Claims – US data (January 2006–June 2013), a negative binomial regression predicted annual all-cause medical costs. Coefficients reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05) and increasing costs by ≥5% were selected for inclusion into an MS-specific severity score (scale of 0 to 100). Components of the score included rehabilitation services, altered mental state, pain, disability, stiffness, balance disorder, urinary incontinence, numbness, malaise/fatigue, and infections. Coefficient weights represented each predictor’s contribution. The predictive model was derived using 50% of a random sample and tested/validated using the remaining 50%.

Results

Average overall predicted annual total medical cost was $11,134 (development sample, n = 11,384, vs. $10,528 actual) and $11,303 (validation sample, n = 11,385, vs. $10,620 actual). The model had consistent bias (approximately +$600 or +6% of actual costs) for both samples. In the validation sample, mean MS disease status scores were 0.24, 8.95, and 21.77 for low, medium, and high tertiles, respectively. Mean costs were most accurately predicted among less severe patients ($5243 predicted vs. $5233 actual cost for lowest tertile).

Conclusion

The algorithm developed in this study provides an initial step to helping understand and potentially predict cost changes for a commercially insured MS population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-017-0887-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effectiveness of glatiramer acetate compared to other multiple sclerosis therapies

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of glatiramer acetate (GA) compared to other multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies in routine clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational cohort study carried out in MS patients treated with GA (GA cohort) or other MS therapies -switched from GA- (non-GA cohort). Study data were obtained through review of our MS patient database. The primary endpoint was the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores reached at the end of treatment/last check-up.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients were included: GA cohort n = 120, non-GA cohort n = 60. Patients in the GA cohort showed better EDSS scores at the end of treatment/last check-up (mean ± SD, 2.8 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 2.2; P = 0.001) and were 1.65 times more likely to show better EDSS scores compared to the non-GA cohort (odds ratio, 0.606; 95%CI, 0.436-0.843; P = 0.003). Patients in the GA cohort showed longer mean time to reach EDSS scores of 6 (209.1 [95%CI, 187.6-230.6] vs. 164.3 [95% CI, 137.0-191.6] months; P = 0.004) and slower disability progression (hazard ratio, 0.415 [95%CI, 0.286-0.603]; P < 0.001). The annualized relapse rate was lower in the GA cohort (mean ± SD, 0.5 ± 0.5 vs. 0.8 ± 0.5; P = 0.001) and patients' quality of life was improved in this study cohort compared to the non-GA cohort (mean ± SD, 0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

GA may slow down the progression of EDSS scores to a greater extent than other MS therapies, as well as achieving a greater reduction in relapses and a greater improvement in patients' quality of life. Switching from GA to other MS therapies has not proved to entail a better response to treatment.

Expanding the use of administrative claims databases in conducting clinical real-world evidence studies in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Administrative claims databases provide a wealth of data for assessing the effect of treatments in clinical practice. Our aim was to propose methodology for real-world studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) using these databases.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In three large US administrative claims databases: MarketScan, PharMetrics Plus and Department of Defense (DoD), patients with MS were selected using an algorithm identified in the published literature and refined for accuracy. Algorithms for detecting newly diagnosed ('incident') MS cases were also refined and tested. Methodology based on resource and treatment use was developed to differentiate between relapses with and without hospitalization.

RESULTS

When various patient selection criteria were applied to the MarketScan database, an algorithm requiring two MS diagnoses at least 30 days apart was identified as the preferred method of selecting patient cohorts. Attempts to detect incident MS cases were confounded by the limited continuous enrollment of patients in these databases. Relapse detection algorithms identified similar proportions of patients in the MarketScan and PharMetrics Plus databases experiencing relapses with (2% in both databases) and without (15-20%) hospitalization in the 1 year follow-up period, providing findings in the range of those in the published literature.

LIMITATION

Additional validation of the algorithms proposed here would increase their credibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The methods suggested in this study offer a good foundation for performing real-world research in MS using administrative claims databases, potentially allowing evidence from different studies to be compared and combined more systematically than in current research practice.

Updated cost-of-care estimates for commercially insured patients with multiple sclerosis: retrospective observational analysis of medical and pharmacy claims data

Background

For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), previous research identified key disease sequelae as important cost drivers and suggested that among users of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in 2004, DMDs represented 73% of the total cost of care. More recent studies were limited to incident disease/treatment and/or excluded DMDs from cost estimates. To support contemporary pharmacoeconomic analyses, the present study was conducted to provide updated information about MS-related costs and cost drivers including DMDs.

Methods

For each of 2 years, 2006 and 2011, commercially insured, continuously eligible patients with ≥ 1 medical claim diagnosis of MS were sampled. MS-related charges were based on medical claims with MS diagnosis plus medical/pharmacy claims for DMDs. 2006 charges were adjusted to 2011 $ using the medical care component of the consumer price index (CPI). Subgroups of patients using DMDs (interferon [IFN] beta-1a intramuscular or subcutaneous, IFN beta-1b, glatiramer, natalizumab) in 2011 were identified. By-group differences were tested with bivariate statistics.

Results

Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 15,902 sample patients in 2011 was 47.6 (11.8) years, 76% female. Mean [SD] MS charges ($26,520 [$38,478] overall) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher for patients with common disease sequelae: malaise/fatigue (n = 2,235; $39,948 [$48,435]), paresthesia (n = 1,566; $33,648 [$45,273]), depression (n = 1,255; $42,831 [$51,693]), and abnormality of gait (n = 1,196; $48,361 [$55,472]). From 2006 to 2011, CPI-adjusted MS charges increased by 60%. Among patients treated with a single DMD in 2011, inpatient care was 6% of charges (range = 4%-8%; P = 0.155); outpatient care was 19% (range = 14%-20% except for natalizumab [29%]; P < 0.001); and DMDs were 75% (range = 67%-81%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Common MS sequelae remain important cost drivers. Although MS treatment costs are increasing, the proportion of MS charges due to DMDs in 2011 is similar to that reported in 2004.

Glatiramer acetate: a review of its use in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and in delaying the onset of clinically definite multiple sclerosis

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone(®)) is a synthetic analogue of the multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated antigen, myelin basic protein. Although its exact mechanisms of action in MS remain to be fully elucidated, the key mechanisms of action of glatiramer acetate appear to be modulation of the inflammatory response and neuroprotective and/or neuroregenerative effects. Subcutaneous glatiramer acetate is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and the treatment of patients who have experienced a well-defined first clinical episode and have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features consistent with MS or have been determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite MS (CDMS). In clinical trials in patients with RRMS, glatiramer acetate reduced the frequency of relapses and reduced the burden and activity of disease on MRI, was more effective than placebo and showed generally similar efficacy to subcutaneous interferon (IFN) β-1a and IFNβ-1b. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of glatiramer acetate were sustained during up to 15 years of treatment in an extension study. In patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), glatiramer acetate significantly delayed the onset of CDMS compared with placebo. The drug was generally well tolerated in these patient populations, with injection-site reactions being the most commonly occurring adverse events. Therefore, glatiramer acetate remains a valuable first-line option in the treatment of RRMS and is an option for delaying the onset of CDMS in patients with CIS.

The cost burden of multiple sclerosis in the United States: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To estimate average annual cost per multiple sclerosis (MS) patient in the US using published estimates from the literature.

METHODS

A search was performed of English-language literature published between 2007 and June 2012 in PubMed and Embase using the term 'multiple sclerosis' and the subject heading 'healthcare costs'. Included articles were primary studies with MS cost figures that could be converted to per patient per year values. Costs were inflated to 2011 dollars using the medical component of the Consumer Price Index.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight presented only direct cost calculations; the remaining seven presented estimates of total cost, broken down into direct and indirect costs. Total all-cause healthcare costs for MS as reported by studies that included direct and indirect costs ranged from $8528-$54,244 per patient per year. On average, direct costs comprised 77% (range 64-91%) of total costs. Prescription medications accounted for the majority of direct costs. On average, indirect costs comprised 23% (range 9-36%) of total costs. Compared with direct all-cause medical costs for other chronic conditions reported in the literature, MS ranked second behind congestive heart failure.

LIMITATIONS

Data sources in these studies were dated, ranging from 1999-2008, and therefore do not include some of the newer, more costly therapies. In addition, this review does not include either assessment of the decrements in quality-of-life associated with MS or costs associated with increasing levels of disability or early retirement. Furthermore, variations in study designs, populations, methodologies, and cost inputs preclude more precise cost estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

MS is a costly chronic disease. Further research is needed to understand: costs by MS type, costs associated with increasing disability and early retirement, and the potential impact of new treatments expected to launch in coming years.

Clinical utility of glatiramer acetate in the management of relapse frequency in multiple sclerosis

Glatiramer acetate (GA) represents one of the most common disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. GA is currently approved for patients at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) after having experienced a well-defined first clinical episode (clinically isolated syndrome or CIS) and for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). GA’s efficacy and effectiveness to reduce relapse frequency have been proved in placebo-controlled and observational studies. Comparative trials have also confirmed the lack of significant differences over other choices of treatment in the management of relapse frequency, and long-term studies have supported its effect at extended periods of time. Additionally, RRMS patients with suboptimal response to interferon β may benefit from reduced relapse rate after switching to GA, and those with clinically isolated syndrome may benefit from delayed conversion to CDMS. All these results, together with its proven long-term safety and positive effect on patients’ daily living, support the favorable risk-benefit of GA for multiple sclerosis treatment.

The relationship between alternative medication possession ratio thresholds and outcomes: evidence from the use of glatiramer acetate

OBJECTIVE

To examine how changes in the medication possession ratio (MPR) affect the probability of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and total and MS-related charges among patients treated with glatiramer acetate (GA).

METHODS

Data were obtained from i3 InVision™ Data Mart for January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2010. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with MS, initiated therapy with GA, and had continuous insurance coverage from 6 months prior through 24 months after initial use of GA (n=839). Multivariate regressions which controlled for patient characteristics examined the association between achievement of alternative MPR goals and patient relapses and charges.

RESULTS

Patients who achieved an MPR of at least 0.7 had significantly lower odds of relapse than those with MPR thresholds below 0.7, with achievement of a threshold of 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9, associated with an odds ratio of relapse of 0.545 (95% CI=0.351-0.824), 0.568 (95% CI=0.371-0.870), and 0.421 (95% CI=0.260-0.679), respectively. Attaining higher MPR thresholds resulted in larger reductions in direct medical charges, excluding GA and other MS-related drugs. MPR of 0.25 was associated with $1699 lower 2-year total direct medical charges (p=0.009) while a threshold of 0.95 was associated with $2136 lower total charges (p<0.001), compared to patients not reaching these respective thresholds. MPR of 0.90 was associated with $986 lower MS-related charges than for those with MPR<0.90 (p=0.050). Results also revealed an association between patient adherence to GA and statistically significant reductions in charges for specific components of care.

LIMITATIONS

Results are generalizable only to patients with medical and prescription benefit coverage without regard for functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

As adherence improved the odds of relapse decreased and charge offsets generally increased. Results suggest that, despite higher costs associated with increased usage of GA, patient outcomes are improved and there are cost-offsets associated with adherent use of GA.