Optimizing Therapeutic Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis in Italy: A Budget Impact Analysis
Author(s)
Cataldo Procacci, MSc1, Serena Gaballo, MSc2, Massimiliano Povero, PhD3.
1Azienda Sanitaria Locale, BT, Italy, 2Novartis, Milano, Italy, 3Researcher, AdRes, Turin, Italy.
1Azienda Sanitaria Locale, BT, Italy, 2Novartis, Milano, Italy, 3Researcher, AdRes, Turin, Italy.
OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) places a considerable burden on both patients and the Italian National Health Service (NHS). This analysis aims to explore the potential economic and clinical impact of optimizing the use of currently available therapies in the Italian setting.
METHODS: A budget impact analysis was carried out from the perspective of the Italian NHS over a three-year time horizon. The number of patients expected to receive treatment each year was estimated based on national population data and MS prevalence. The current treatment landscape was compared with a more efficient scenario involving increased use of ofatumumab (+5% every year), and generics/biosimilars (+30% every year). The analysis included drug acquisition and administration costs, as well as expenses related to monitoring and managing adverse events. An additional analysis focusing on allocative efficiency (in terms of reduced administration time with ofatumumab) was conducted.
RESULTS: Over the next three years, approximately 262,000 MS patients are expected to receive treatment. Under the current scenario, the estimated total cost to the NHS is around €4.15 billion (drug costs account for 95.3% of total expenses). The alternative scenario could generate savings of about €403 million (-9.79%): €382 million in drug acquisition (-9.73%), and €21 million for administration, monitoring, and managing of adverse events (-11.03%). Such savings could allow an additional 6,613 patients per year to access high-efficacy therapies, potentially. Moreover, the optimized approach would reduce hospital and healthcare professional time by around 15%.
CONCLUSIONS: A more efficient allocation of available therapies could reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system and improve patient access to effective treatments.
METHODS: A budget impact analysis was carried out from the perspective of the Italian NHS over a three-year time horizon. The number of patients expected to receive treatment each year was estimated based on national population data and MS prevalence. The current treatment landscape was compared with a more efficient scenario involving increased use of ofatumumab (+5% every year), and generics/biosimilars (+30% every year). The analysis included drug acquisition and administration costs, as well as expenses related to monitoring and managing adverse events. An additional analysis focusing on allocative efficiency (in terms of reduced administration time with ofatumumab) was conducted.
RESULTS: Over the next three years, approximately 262,000 MS patients are expected to receive treatment. Under the current scenario, the estimated total cost to the NHS is around €4.15 billion (drug costs account for 95.3% of total expenses). The alternative scenario could generate savings of about €403 million (-9.79%): €382 million in drug acquisition (-9.73%), and €21 million for administration, monitoring, and managing of adverse events (-11.03%). Such savings could allow an additional 6,613 patients per year to access high-efficacy therapies, potentially. Moreover, the optimized approach would reduce hospital and healthcare professional time by around 15%.
CONCLUSIONS: A more efficient allocation of available therapies could reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system and improve patient access to effective treatments.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE602
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Policy & Regulatory, Organizational Practices
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis
Disease
Neurological Disorders