OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and economic benefits of treatment with SC-peginterferon beta-1a (PEG-IFN1a) vs. subcutaneous interferon beta-1a 44 mcg (SC-IFN1a) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in Italy.

METHODS: A Markov model with a 10-year time horizon and 3-month cycles was used to compare the outcomes of treating patients with PEG-IFN1a vs. SC-IFN1a from a societal perspective in Italy. The model estimates clinical and economic consequences of initiating treatment with PEG-IFN1a among patients who would receive SC-IFN1a based on current SC-IFN1a market share. Costs, resource utilization, and baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score distribution are specific to Italy. Costs of relapse and disability status are from a cross-sectional cost of illness study. Hazard and risk ratios for clinical outcomes of PEG-IFN1a vs. SC-IFN1a were estimated from an indirect treatment comparison.

RESULTS: The number of RRMS patients treated with SC-IFN1a was 6,665. Within the model, across 10 years, the use of PEG-IFN1a in place of SC-IFN1a would not reduce the number of relapses and relapse costs per patient. However, PEG-IFN1a was shown to slow disability worsening, with fewer patients progressing to EDSS ≥ 6.0 (57.8% versus 70.1%). Costs associated with disability would be reduced by about €106.3 million (€15,151 lower per patient). Averted inpatient care represents €24.9 million of EDSS state cost savings which reflects 1,075 fewer inpatient admissions. Total direct cost savings for the cohort treatment, relapse, and disability would exceed €174.8 million (€24,923/patient). Total indirect cost savings would be about €241.9 million (€34,486/patient).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this model suggest that use of PEG-IFN1a compared with SC-IFN1a in the treatment of RRMS in Italy is a potential cost-saving strategy that could moderate healthcare resource use and improve patient outcomes. Additional research using real-world comparative effectiveness studies should be conducted.