OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by multifocal demyelination in the Central Nervous System with progressive neurodegeneration in genetically susceptible individuals. MS phenotypes vary, but most patients (≈80–85%) are classified as having relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). The objective of this study is to assess the budget impact (BI) of including Glatiramer acetate 40mg (Doxelev®) in the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) for RRMS.

METHODS: A budget impact analysis was developed to compare the cost of RRMS treatment at the IMSS in Mexico for 3,772 patients’ year 1 (and increasing 1.5% every next year), using a five-year time-horizon and considering different percentages of prescription for each RRMS medication available at the IMSS. To assess Budget Impact at the IMSS, a 5-year BI model was created by using a reference setting or base case including all the available first line treatments (interferons and glatiramer acetate 20mg) then compared with a new scenario including Glatiramer acetate 40mg (Doxelev®) by increasing its participation each year (10% per year). The cost analysis (USD, year 2023) includes direct medical resources (drugs, administration, expected episodes of relapse costs). The information on the costs of treatment was based on the standards of care at the IMSS in 2023.

RESULTS: First year expected costs of tretament and relapses in the base case was $63,476,145USD vs $43,556,190USD for the new scenario (when Glatiramer acetate 40mg (Doxelev®) is included) reaching a saving of $19,919,955USD. Average total costs for the 5 years was $65,409,316 in the base case and in the new scenario $40,282,404 ($25,126,912 savings).

CONCLUSIONS: Considering a cohort of 3,772 patients with RRMS, Budget Impact decreases when Glatiramer acetate 40mg (Doxelev®) is included in the treatment of RRMS at the IMSS. Glatiramer acetate 40mg (Doxelev®) represents budgetary savings over the next 5 years (2023-2027).