OBJECTIVES: The current disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Portugal are administered either by oral, subcutaneous (SC) or infusion (IV) routes. Each DMT and route of administration involves different requirements in terms of resources and administration setting. Consequently, we aimed to estimate the economic impact of administration of DMT for MS from the NHS perspective in Portugal.

METHODS: This analysis was based on published literature, market research and official data sources (Summary of Product Characteristics, Portuguese DRG tables, Infomed database). Unit DMT administration cost included, when applicable, hospitalization, day hospital admissions, healthcare professional (physicians, nurses and hospital pharmacists) time and consumables due to DMT preparation and administration, premedication, and exams. These costs were applied to the Portuguese MS population using DMT, taking into account the market share of DMT by mode of administration and the annual frequency of administration of each DMT per patient. Costs are presented in 2020 Euros.

RESULTS: Out of a population of approximately 6500 patients with MS in Portugal, 85% are expected to be treated with DMT. The most common modes of DMT administration are SC (48%) and oral (43%), followed by IV (9%). The administration costs of DMT for MS account for a total annual burden for the NHS of approximately € 457,000. IV DMT account for 75% of the total economic burden of DMT administration, followed by oral (16%) and SC (9%).

CONCLUSIONS: The economic burden of DMT is highly related to the mode of administration. Despite a small market share, IV DMT account for the majority of costs to the NHS. The development of therapies allowing a reduction of the NHS burden of administration, while retaining efficacy and safety, may provide cost savings to payers and hospitals.