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Cost-effectiveness of Treatments in Multiple Sclerosis (COSTRIMS)

The annual cost of taking a disease-modifying drug for MS, such as one of the interferons (Avonex, Rebif, or Betaseron) or Copaxone, can exceed $16,000. Cost-effectiveness analysis is a special kind of clinical research that deals with both costs and health consequences of medical interventions. Katia Noyes, PhD, MPH, at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY is Principal Investigator on the project that seeks to identify the most appropriate methodology for assessing the cost-effectiveness of MS treatments. The “Cost-effectiveness of Treatments in Multiple Sclerosis (COSTRIMS)” study is funded by the NMSS Health Care Delivery & Policy Research division and will be conducted from 7/1/05-6/30/08. Other members of the team include:

  • Steven Schwid, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Associate Chair for Clinical Research Co-Director, Rochester Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Rochester.
  • Andrew Dick, PhD, Rand Corporation.
  • Robert Holloway, MPH, MD, Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Departments of Neurology and Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
  • Christopher McCabe, PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield.
  • Martin Daumer, PhD, Scientific Director , Sylvia Lawry Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research (SLCMSR), Germany
  • Deborah Miller, PhD, Director of Comprehensive Care, Mellen Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
In the first phase of this project, Dr. Noyes and the international study team are conducting a systematic literature review of cost-effectiveness research, particularly in progressive illnesses with periodic relapses such as MS, asthma, and lupus. An advisory panel of experts will critically evaluate the findings of this review, and help formulate guidelines which will be used during the second phase of the study to analyze the cost-effectiveness of disease-modifying agents in MS. If new drugs enter the market, the analyses will be adjusted accordingly.

As the results become available, Dr. Noyes will collaborate with the National MS Society to disseminate them to people with MS, healthcare professionals, healthcare policy makers, federal and state governments, and service providers. This study is sure to inform treatment, insurance, and advocacy efforts on behalf of people with MS.