OBJECTIVES: Innovative therapies for symptomatic management and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) continue to be developed; however, the expense associated with these novel agents must be evaluated alongside the benefit provided. Health technology assessment (HTA) decisions in MS aim to generate policies that produce cost-effective symptomatic or disease-modifying benefit. The objective of this analysis was to update a 2014 study by evaluating recent HTA decisions and their rationales to identify trends in selected countries.

METHODS: HTA surveillance was conducted for Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK) from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2017 (64 months). MS-related HTAs were evaluated by indication, decision, and rationale for the decision. Decisions were categorized as favorable, unfavorable, mixed (both favorable and unfavorable), and neutral (deferral).

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there were a similar number of favorable and unfavorable decisions, reinforcing the need for manufacturers to develop strong data customized to the evidentiary requirements of each country.